Peace on Earth? Good Will? Peace is a choice... Choose Peace!

Michael Douglas Carlin

Peace on Earth? Good Will? Peace is a choice…Choose Peace!

Ten thousand years of studying the “Human Condition” has led us to conclude that there is a path to the dream that so many have shed their blood attempting to build. Their sacrifice was NOT in vain. They believed that a time for peace would come. The Old Testament talks about there being a season for every purpose under heaven and then at the very end comes THE TIME FOR PEACE. We are at a crucial juncture where the choice is clear. We can choose destruction or we can choose redemption. Humankind always rises to the challenges that are before us. We will no doubt rise to this challenge.

There will always be the naysayers that claim that Peace is simply not attainable. I would join them except that I have seen bitter prejudice turn into deep and abiding love. I have witnessed hatred give way to tolerance and then to understanding and then to true love. I have seen a single man travel down this path through his choices of education over ignorance. If it is possible for a single man to make this journey then it is possible for a family, then a village, a province, a Nation and then the World to also travel this path.

We are now in the Holiday Season where countless songs will be sung about attaining Peace On Earth. Would these songs have been written if there wasn’t faith that this was attainable? Would so many embrace these songs if they didn’t believe? Would so many fight and die if they didn’t believe that a time for Peace would come to the world? Today I ask you to make a choice! Choose Peace! I ask you to quell the naysayers and make a conscious decision to move toward “World Peace”. We who want and work toward “Peace” are not “whack jobs” that want to hold hands and sing songs to bring about Peace. We are people that have developed a clear path that will lead STEP BY STEP toward World Peace.

Hindus, Buddhists, Moslems, Christians, Jews, all are united in their belief that Peace is attainable. I recently published a book called “A Prescription For Peace” that is a series of essays documenting the philosophy behind a group of relief workers led by Sir Edward A. Artis. They all believe that Peace can be attained through following a series of steps to give prosperity to the entire world. The basic building blocks of society are the foundation to bring about “World Peace”.

Excluding any group of people for inclusion in economic prosperity is a recipe for retaliation, terrorism and war. Drawing a circle that includes every man, woman and child alive is not only the path for peace but it is the right thing to do. The Army calls this SWEAT MS which means “sewage, water, electricity, academics, trash, medical and security”. In the book I outline my conclusion – Food (including clean water), Shelter, Health Care, Personal Security, Education, Rule of Law, Forgiveness, Empowerment of Women and Jobs as being the elements that will lead to Peace. We can all discuss the details of the Peace and arrive at our own conclusions but the fact that the discussion continues means that we are close to a practical path to making the dream a reality.

If every single person alive took the Hippocratic Oath to “first do no harm”, the world would be a much better place. If we all applied it to our business and family lives we would prosper. If we all applied it to the environment, and ecology we would develop business models that were sustainable, renewable, and replicable.

As a companion to the book we have launched “APrescriptionForPeace.ORG” as a 501(c) 3 to contribute to bringing about “World Peace”. We commit that every dollar donated shall be directed to the application of the principles that are outlined in the book. Obviously, we need to spend a small percentage to keep our NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) in compliance with all State and Federal Regulations. But our commitment is that as near to 100% as possible will be applied to programs that hit the mark. We are working with Sir Edward A. Artis on a number of ongoing projects that we will provide funding to help facilitate in the Philippines, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Darfur.

We invite you to make a donation to our NGO to help us fund these projects. Please look at your tax deductible donation as an investment in the attainment of World Peace.

The book has drawn some strong comments. One reader wrote in reference to a section that discusses the Israel/Palestine situation: “Bulldozing houses is a punishment for blowing up busses.  Every homicide bomber knows that if they go through with their evil plan, their family will lose their home.  If they make the choice that killing 50 Jewish children on a bus is worth their family losing their home…  Yeah, I can’t really feel too bad for them.”

I responded to the comment with the following: “The point that I was attempting to make is that individual rights are the key to lasting Peace. When the families of Palestinians are given money because one of their offspring detonated a suicide bomb in a crowded marketplace that money needs to be intercepted and the incentive removed through due process of law. Conversely, when a family has been located in a home for over 50 years and the home is bulldozed without a trial they need to be compensated through due process of law.

Sweeping statements about what the Jews have done to the Palestinians or what the Palestinians have done to the Jews as justification for further wrongs move both sides away from Peace and proliferate the hatreds that are inbred. Jewish World Watch has the goal of eliminating “genocide” from the earth. I applaud that mission and hope that we can all work to see hatred replaced with not only tolerance but also understanding, that we can see a “rush to judgment” replaced with due process of law.

I believe that a World Court with teeth is one of the foundations to eliminating Genocide as the court brings men and women to justice that commit atrocities.  That court needs to serve all people of all races and all religions. Attempting to justify wrong doing through the interpretation of history is just what this court needs to discourage. History is a great teacher and should be studied. All of humanity should be educated as education is a very basic key to eliminating prejudice and hatred. Every man, woman and child alive have certain inalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The rule of law which was really begun by the Jews many centuries ago and is the foundation of all of our laws today must protect one person’s right to pursuit of happiness from interfering with another’s. Everyone deserves personal security because that is the foundation of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Food, shelter, health care, education, and a job are also the foundations of peace and every single person that is living today should have all of these elements that provide them the opportunity to have a good life.

The Holiday Season is a tremendous time to think and dream about World Peace. When governments deem the Iron Mace necessary they also need to prepare the Velvet Mace of Civil Affairs to restore basic needs to people that are affected by war or catastrophe. People that have their needs met are less likely to become insurgents because they have something to lose. Those that have something to lose and still choose to fight need to be incarcerated or eliminated.

Jews, Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, Agnostics, and Atheists all get along on the Westside of Los Angeles because there is an environment of abundance. By helping all of humanity have abundance we can not only hope and dream about World Peace, we can make it a reality.

I spoke recently in Century City at the Rotary Club’s event to honor Sherry Lansing. I summed up my talk by stating “our work will not be done until every man, woman and child alive has three square meals a day, a roof over their heads, access to quality health care,  personal security, an education and a job.”

I believe that this is a Prescription for Peace and hope that we can partner with YOU in areas like Burma to bring this from the theory stage to the elimination of atrocities and the establishment of a lasting and abiding PEACE.

I really do appreciate you taking time out of your day to write to me. I know that time is precious and that we can all learn from each other. I found your comments enlightening and hope that this is only the beginning of a dialogue that will lead to solid steps to bring about lasting PEACE one country at a time and one person at a time. We need every man, woman and child to buy into the concept of PEACE – to CHOOSE PEACE for it to become a reality. I want you to know that I am your partner in PEACE and that I know Sir Edward Artis is also your partner. He is the servant of humanity. If there is a project that we can collaborate on I would be honored to help and I know he would too. His thirty five years of working in the trenches can be a tremendous asset to any organization and it is available for the asking. Throughout those years funding has come through non religious sources as well as many faith based organizations as well…including Jews, Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, etc. I would invite you to begin a meaningful dialogue with Sir Edward and discuss Burma if that is an area you intend to elevate. There are some opportunities there that can be leveraged with a proper strategy. I would invite you to begin discussions with Sir Edward to develop that strategy.”

The United States of America is the first Nation in the History of the World to forgive at the end of a war and to then appeal to economic “best interests” to heal relations and to trade with our former enemy. We did this at the end of the Revolution, Civil War, War of 1812, Mexican America War, Spanish American War, World War I, World War II. Forgiveness leads to rebuilding our enemy and stronger productive relations.

My oldest son is a Warrior and has served two tours in Iraq. When he returned from his second tour he ended every telephone conversation with “Peace” instead of saying “goodbye”. I found it remarkable that a warrior would take up the cause of Peace in such an everyday way. But I found that the discipline of ending every conversation with “Peace” keeps this on my mind. If all of humanity valued World Peace in everyday lives by ending every conversation with the word Peace, it would keep the concept on everybody’s mind and move humanity closer every day as people everywhere were constantly thinking about and discussing “World Peace”.  I would invite you all to begin ending your telephone conversations with the word “Peace”…the more we talk about it the more we are going to move toward it. I have asked you to make a conscious choice for PEACE. You can manifest that choice in your everyday life by ending your telephone conversations with “PEACE”.

Michael Douglas Carlin is a filmmaker, author, and journalist. American Federale is available on iTunes, Amazon, and GooglePlay. Rise a Knight is available on Amazon. Peaceful Protests and A Prescription For Peace is available on iTunes.

© 2000 – 2014 Michael Douglas Carlin. All rights reserved.

Tupacileaks The Website For Release Of Information On All Documents Relating to Tupac Murder Has Received Over 200 eMails

The article about the LAPD leaked confession letter has been spinning around cyberspace. There are many that have submitted some interesting files. I have not had time to pour over the hundreds of pages of documents that I have received.

http://www.americannewsservice.org/2014/08/lapd-leaks-confession-letter-in-tupacs.html

I can say that some of the information I have reviewed is compelling. If I have already received hundreds of pages, then there must be tens of thousands of pages out there. What would be helpful?

• Photos from the night of Tupac's Murder

• Photos the night of Biggie Smalls Murder

• Court documents in Tupac's various legal actions

• Anything relating to Death Row Records

• Any videotaped interviews

• Any testimony about the murders including information about the murders of anyone associated with the victims.

• Depositions of Tupac or anyone associated with him

• Photos

• Videotapes

• Letters

• Anything that I might have missed here?

This is a collaboration of all of America who want to see the killer(s) brought to justice.

SEND YOUR INFORMATION TO: Tupacileaks@gmail.com

FOLLOW US AT: @TUPACILEAKS on Twitter

or on Facebook
visit the website: www.tupacileaks.com

PLEASE NOTE: All of this will be released to the public so that they can all participate in solving these crimes. All of this information will also be turned over to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, the Las Vegas Metro Police Department, the Los Angeles Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

A Political Bombshell: Tupac 187 The Red Knight—Unveils the Secrets of Murder and Mayhem amongst Los Angeles' most Privileged LAPD and Media

  

TUPAC 187: The Red Knight

By Richard “RJ” Bond and Michael Douglas Carlin

With Contribution by Former L.A.P.D. Detective Russell Poole

A Powerful New Book That Unveils the Secrets of Murder and Mayhem amongst Los Angeles’ most Privileged LAPD and Media, Making this One of the Most Suppressed Crime Stories in American History

If you can handle the truth, read this book. 

It is almost axiomatic to say that historians may lie but history cannot.   Richard “RJ” Bond and Michael Douglas Carlin formidable and meticulously researched expose about one of the most shocking crimes of the last century will disturb and challenge the skeptical, thrill true believers, and astound and anger everyone in-between.  Within these pages, official lies are witheringly demolished and the stark truth, however unseemly, begins to take shape.  This is not a conspiracy theory; it is a conspiracy.  And most explosively, the highest levels of the media are involved and shown to be in league with the worst culprits in the LAPD who buried and obstructed their own investigations.

What do you get when you combine the work of the L.A.P.D. Detective that found justice for Bill Cosby's son and who broke the infamous L.A.P.D. Rampart Scandal to the world, the journalist who dared to follow the Mexican Federale that killed drug lord Pablo Acosta and the award-winning filmmaker who produced the classic "Tupac: Assassination" documentary? You get a whole new group of suspects, motives that support a completely new understanding of the Tupac Shakur and Christopher “Biggie Smalls” Wallace homicides (“187” of the title is the California Penal Code section for Murder) that some in the law enforcement community would rather you not know about.

In this last year Bond and Carlin discovered proof that two of the most infamous murders in entertainment history may have been cast aside by law enforcement in both Las Vegas and Los Angeles, victims of police bureaucracy and cover up. The current Wallace investigation in Los Angeles has been left to one man, whom the L.A.P.D. left to make sure it stayed buried. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police may know who their man is, but were themselves victims of the work of a media smear campaign machine designed to invalidate their work and destroy the credibility of any witness that might have come forward with compelling testimony on the Shakur homicide.  This same media machine was equally effective against the witnesses in the Wallace homicide; even now agents for those responsible are still trying to turn the credibility of key witnesses into “unreliable” sources.  What Bond and Carlin saw was a literal graveyard of dead witnesses and others either to scared or too influenced to step forward. But that was then.

“Tupac 187: The Red Knight” goes back to the beginning of the investigations—the original police files—and re-examines the people and evidence who have been previously corrupted or ignored. Bond and Carlin strip the Death Row Records disinformation machine of its fallacies, and re-paint the witness disparagement campaigns by the Los Angeles Times with the color of truth. When all is laid out raw and exposed under the book’s harsh light, “187” clearly evidences the power of the media—both of 1996 and of today—to not only report news—but to make it.

Moreover, “187” exposes leaks in the Los Angeles Police Department that may have fatally crippled the investigations in both cases; covert operations to collect up investigation notes and findings, key credible witness testimony hidden in detective’s desk drawers, complaints of Los Angeles Police employees of their work literally disappearing from their computer files—along with their computers—it’s all brought to light. Even in the last year, Bond and former L.A.P.D. Wallace Detective Russell Poole took new information to a meeting with four key L.A.P.D. brass, only to see the body of evidence leaked by one of those in the meeting, to end up on the internet—risking lives and attempting to sabotage the new information.   

And yes, there is new information. In the absence of any other forward moving investigation, Bond, Poole, and Carlin pick up the case where it was supposed to have gone before the witness tampering occurred, and identify new persons of interest, new motives and identify a simple group of suspects who were doing everything they could to cover up what was effectively a “heist job” gone terribly wrong—a cover up that in Bond’s and Carlin’s opinion covers all relevant events up to and including the most recent attempted murder of former Death Row Records head Marion “Suge” Knight in 2014.

The ghosts of over twenty dead witnesses and participants haunt the pages of “187” with a clear message: in spite of the best efforts of the saboteurs, key, and even new leads, information, and credible witnesses still exist that can grant closure to both infamous homicides; if—and only if—the right people care enough to put these cases to rest. Those responsible have had a great laugh at the 18 year misdirection, and now that Bond and Carlin lay it out in “187”, the “word on the street” is that no one is laughing anymore, Bond and Carlin are now “snitches” and have had death threats from the camps who have an interest in protecting a secret. A secret worth killing for.

All this comes to light in a way you've NEVER heard before. “Tupac 187: The Red Knight” is a must for anyone interested in True Crime or cares about the iconic rappers’ deaths.

Available January 5th on Amazon.com 

(TRY Coupon Code BOOKDEAL25 for 25% Off)

http://www.amazon.com/Tupac-187-Richard-RJ-Bond/dp/0692317848/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418718063&sr=8-1&keywords=Tupac%3A187&pebp=1418718064490

To Interview RJ Bond or Michael Carlin call 424.646.0207

Star of “Murder Rap” Now Fugitive

Read Russell Poole's final words on #Tupac & #Biggie murders 

smashwords.com/books/view/602470

With 100K Warrant are a few bail bondsmen are on the hunt?

Duane Keith “Keefe D” Davis, who is known throughout the Tupac fan base as the man who was willing to sell out his dead nephew for a third strike proffer deal, and who was featured as the key star witness of Ex-LAPD Detective Greg Kading’s 2011 book “Murder Rap” is now a fugitive from justice and under a One Hundred Thousand Dollar ($100,000) Bench Warrant in Riverside County California.

Davis failed to appear at a hearing in the California Superior Court in May of 2014 for sentencing stemming from charges of Felony Possession of Marijuana for Sale and being a convicted felon in possession of a Colt 45 handgun when stopped by Law Enforcement.

An Electronic Warrant was issued at 9:45am , May 20, 2014 and Davis’ original bail of $25,000 ordered forfeited, which means that some Bail Bondsmen are going to be very interested in “Keefe’ D’s” whereabouts. Of course this $100,000 warrant will be far from the end of the criminal journey for Davis. Failing to keep ones promise to appear, especially in light of the nature of the appearance- when you are informed how long you will be going to prison for, or if you may ever see the free light of day again- speak volumes about Davis character.

And this time Davis will need to sell out some other member of his family- if anyone is really interested- to beat this rap. Of course as chronicled in the large print “Murder Rap,” Davis was a godsend and Rosetta Stone for former cop Kading and current LAPD Detective Daryn Dupree for claiming that his nephew killed Shakur and that he was present for the killing of Biggie Smalls. Nothing like throwing your own dead nephew under the bus to save your own skin.

Davis was on Kading’s “short list” for filling in the details and color that might add some legitimacy for an investigation that was in his own words “going nowhere.” Kading and Dupree were steering the mid 2000’s investigation toward the legendary story of Orlando Anderson killing Tupac for a million dollars, allegedly put up by rival Sean “Puffy” Combs. At one point this legend also included another rap rival, Christopher Wallace- himself a murder victim. 

It wasn’t until that very public lead fell flat on its face that Kading and Dupree, unsuccessful in getting any other “named player” to talk to them, (including witnesses at the scene) knew they needed to get Davis in Kading’s words “in the box.” Under that leverage, they got Davis to talk.

It is to be noted that whatever story about his family member was told to Kading and Dupree, previous to that Davis had made the claim that Marion “Suge” Knight- recently shot at an LA Nightclub- was behind both the Shakur and Wallace shootings. That was Davis’ formal statement.

However as the years went by and the leads cooled down, Davis story changed to one that was magically congruent with Kading and Dupree’s version of events. Under a temporary immunity deal and plea bargain called a “proffer deal”, Davis told a “whale of a tale” to the LAPD’s finest and this time implicated Corey Edwards, a friend of Anderson’s, himself and Anderson (with others) in the shooting of Shakur September of 1996.  

Darnell Brim was one of the leaders of the infamous Southside Crips, according to former Compton Police Detective Tim Brennan. Apparently Davis allegations of his nephew’s being a killer was hardly the first time Davis had accused someone of point a gun and firing with deadly intent. He accused Brim in the same way.

This is what Brim (who was himself shot) had to say about Duane Keith Davis:

“He's Baby Lane's uncle. He's part of the group that hangs on Burris, I'm not friends with him. He likes to talk a lot. He keeps stuff going; like hearsay stuff. Like when my homeboy Lee got killed he was saying that he saw what happened- including that he seen my car driving away from the shooting. He was saying that I was the guy who shot Lee.”

“When he found out that. I was locked down, he changed his story and said that it was someone who looked like me. He keeps a lot of stuff going- like girls do. I asked him about it when I got out of jail. He said something like, "you know what's going on, you don't like us and we don't like you, just keep it like that." I told him that that was no problem.

“I don't know if he's selling dope, I don't know his business. I don't know if he has a job. I don't think that Keefy D would shoot anybody and I don't know if he had anything to do with killing Biggie.”

Apparently, according to Brim, if Davis does not like you, you might be next for the accusation.

Which begs the question- with two strikes- Blaming Knight for a murder then recanting it, and then blaming Brim for Murder and recanting it- could Davis, under the right leverage or incentive- such as one like Kading put out to coax that statement- would Davis recant that one as well? Would it be three strikes?

For now, no one will know, because Davis has decided to “ride like the wind” and make himself unavailable to the California Judicial System. It doesn't appear that Davis will be making any subsequent interviews with the press when and if Kading's new documentary ever surfaces from the editing room. 

When and if Davis ever does appear, we’ll see what story he comes up with next- but one thing is for sure, there is always a story!

To purchase Tupac:187 The Red Knight on Amazon Click the link below.

(TRY Coupon Code BOOKDEAL25 for 25% Off)

http://www.amazon.com/Tupac-187-Richard-RJ-Bond/dp/0692317848/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418718063&sr=8-1&keywords=Tupac%3A187&pebp=1418718064490

DOD CONTRACTS

ARMY

 

Raytheon Co., Andover, Massachusetts, was awarded a $2,397,211,870 fixed-price-incentive, foreign military sales, sole-source contract for 10 PATRIOT fire units with spares for the State of Qatar. Work will be performed in Camden, Arkansas; Santa Fe Springs, California; Andover, Massachusetts; Greece; and Poland, with an estimated completion date of April 30, 2019. One bid was solicited with one received. Fiscal 2010 other procurement funds in the amount of $1,174,633,756 are being obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal (Missile), Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-15-C-0022).
 

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., McLean, Virginia (W911S0-15-D-0001); Cubic Applications, Inc., San Diego, California (W911S0-15-D-0002); and Janus Research Group, Appling, Georgia (W911S0-15-D-0003), were awarded a $240,000,000 order-dependent contract for mission support services to the Army Capabilities Integration Center. Funding and work location will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date ofDec. 18, 2019. Bids were solicited via the Internet, with seven received. Army Contracting Command, Fort Eustis, Fort Eustis, Virginia, is the contracting activity.
 

General Dynamics Land Systems, Sterling Heights, Michigan, was awarded a $99,738,476 firm-fixed-price, foreign military sales (Saudi Arabia) contract for converting 42 M1A2s to a M1A2S configuration. Work will be performed in Lima, Ohio (95 percent), and Sterling Heights, Michigan (5 percent), with an estimated completion date of July 31, 2016. Bids were solicited via the Internet, with one received. Fiscal 2015 other procurement funds in the amount of $6,359,968 are being obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Tank and Automotive (Warren), Warren, Michigan, is the contracting activity (W56HZV-15-C-0059).
 

BAE Systems Land & Armaments, York, Pennsylvania, was awarded a $34,241,842 modification (001904) to firm-fixed-price contract W56HZV-10-G-0003 for modification of 49 Bradley Fighting Vehicles from the M3A2 version to the M2A2 version and 49 final inspection records. Fiscal 2014 other procurement funds in the amount of $34,241,842 were obligated at the time of the award. Estimated completion date is July 31, 2016. Work will be performed in York, Pennsylvania (94 percent); Aiken, South Carolina (2 percent); and Texarkana, Texas (4 percent). Army Contracting Command, Tank and Automotive (Warren), Warren, Michigan, is the contracting activity.
 

Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Grand Prairie, Texas, was awarded a $32,416,755 modification (PZ0011) to cost-plus-fixed-fee contract W31P4Q-14-C-0124 for life cycle launcher support III which provides technical and maintenance support services for all U.S. Army high mobility artillery rocket system (HIMARS) fire control systems and launcher modules and M270A1 fire control systems. Support is also provided to the U.S. Marine Corps HIMARS program. Fiscal 2014 and 2015 operations and maintenance (Army), and fiscal 2014 and 2015 military construction funds in the amount of $28,692,202 were obligated at the time of the award. Estimated completion date is Dec. 31, 2018. Work will be performed in Aberdeen, South Dakota; Avon Park, Florida; Boca Raton, Florida; Brownsboro, Alabama; Budd Lake, New Jersey; Camp Pendleton, California; Chambersburg, Pennsylvania; Concord, New Hampshire; Dallas, Texas; El Paso, Texas; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Fort Carson, Colorado; Fort Chaffe, Arkansas; Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Knox, Kentucky; Fort Lee, Virginia; Fort Lewis, Washington; Fort Riley, Kansas; Fort Sill, Oklahoma; Ft. Worth, Texas; Grayling, Michigan; Hauppauge, New York; Huntsville, Alabama; Jackson, Mississippi; Lovell, Wyoming; Malabar, Florida; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Pulaski, Tennessee; Sumter, South Carolina; Sussex, Wisconsin; Whippany, New Jersey; York, Pennsylvania; Afghanistan; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; and Seoul, South Korea. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal (Missile), Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.
 

Diversified Technical Systems,* Seal Beach, California, was awarded a $31,000,000 incrementally funded, order dependent contract for engineering services for the Warrior Injury Assessment Manikin program. Funding and work location will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2017. Bids were solicited via the Internet, with 999 received. Army Contracting Command, Adelphi Division, Adelphi, Maryland, is the contracting activity (W911QX-15-D-0001).
 

J. Fletcher Creamer & Son, Inc., Hackensack, New Jersey, was awarded a $29,314,441firm-fixed-price contract for coastal storm damage reduction structures for Brigantine Inlet to Great Egg Harbor Inlet, and the Absecon Inlet. Work will be performed in Atlantic County, New Jersey, with an estimated completion date of April 14, 2016. Bids were solicited via the Internet, with seven received. Fiscal 2015 operations and maintenance (Army) funds in the amount of $29,314,441 are being obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Philadelphia District, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity (W912BU-15-C-0012).
 

Leidos, Inc., Reston, Virginia, was awarded a $25,017,625 modification (P00032) to cost-plus-fixed-fee contract W52P1J-11-C-0005 for ammunition supply point and theater area storage support to the 1st Theater Support Command, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Fiscal 2015 operations and maintenance (Army) funds in the amount of $25,017,625 were obligated at the time of the award. Estimated completion date is Dec. 30, 2015. Work will be performed in Kuwait. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Arsenal, Rock Island, Illinois, is the contracting activity.
 

Thalle Construction Company, Inc., Hillsborough, North Carolina, was awarded a $24,187,735 incrementally funded, firm-fixed-price contract for the demolition and removal of the existing Herbert Hoover Dike Culverts HP-2 and HP-3, and the construction of new water control Structures S-286 and S-287 to replace the culverts. Work will be performed in Moorehaven, Florida, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 30, 2018. Bids were solicited via the Internet, with three received. Fiscal 2014 other procurement funds in the amount of $24,187,735 are being obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, Jacksonville, Florida, is the contracting activity (W912EP-15-C-0002).
 

Harris Corporation, Palm Bay, Florida, was awarded a $9,946,851 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for research of distributed embedded satellite communications on-the-move terminals. Work will be performed in Palm Bay, Florida (50 percent); Boulder, Colorado (25.20 percent); Torrance, California (23.40 percent); and Aberdeen, Maryland (1.40 percent), with an estimated completion date of March 30, 2015. Bids were solicited via the Internet, with two received. Fiscal 2014 other procurement (Army) funds in the amount of $6,700,000, and fiscal 2014 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $912,021, are being obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Division B, Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, is the contracting activity (W56KGU-15-C-0011)
 

Navistar Defense LLC, Lisle, Illinois, was awarded a $7,926,944 modification (P00111) to foreign military sales (Pakistan), cost-plus-fixed-fee contract W56HZV-10-C-0011 for expenses involving engineering, logistics, field service representatives, other direct cost and travel in support of the system technical services for the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected MaxxPro Vehicle. Fiscal 2013, 2014 and 2105 other procurement, other procurement (Army) and operations and maintenance (Army) funds in the amount of $7,326,944 were obligated at the time of the award. Estimated completion date is March 31, 2015. Work will be performed Lisle, Illinois. Army Contracting Command, Tank and Automotive (Warren), Warren, Michigan, is the contracting activity.
 

Oshkosh Defense LLC, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, was awarded a $7,250,000 modification (0015) to firm-fixed-price contract W56HZV-12-G-0010 to acquire 300 Check 6 camera kits which give the mine resistant ambush protected all-terrain vehicle driver/commander a rear field of vision. Fiscal 2014 other procurement (Army) funds in the amount of $7,250,000 were obligated at the time of the award. Estimated completion date is Sept. 30, 2015. Work will be in performed Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Army Contracting Command, Tank and Automotive (Warren), Warren, Michigan, is the contracting activity.
 

NAVY

 

General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Co., San Diego, California, is being awarded a $498,116,529 modification to a previously awarded fixed-price-incentive, firm-target contract (N00024-09-C-2229) for the procurement of the detail, design and construction of the fourth Mobile Landing Platform Afloat Forward Staging Base. Work will be performed in: San Diego, California (70 percent); Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (7 percent); Chesapeake, Virginia (7 percent); Beloit, Wisconsin (6 percent); Iron Mountain, Michigan (2 percent); and various locations in the United States (0.8 percent); work is expected to be completed by March 2018. Fiscal 2014 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $498,116,529 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.


The Boeing Co., Seattle, Washington, is being awarded a not-to-exceed $171,169,232 undefinitized modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-12-C-0112) for the procurement of a P-8A training system in support of the P-8A training requirements for the government of Australia. In addition, this modification will include two operational flight trainers, two weapons tactics trainers, one part task trainer, one training system support center, and program/training support. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Missouri (90 percent), and Tampa, Florida (10 percent), and is expected to be completed in March 2018. International partner funds in the amount of $35,205,691 are being obligated on this award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Command, Orlando, Florida, is the contracting activity.
 

United Technologies Corp., Pratt & Whitney Military Engines, East Hartford, Connecticut, is being awarded a $47,208,684 cost-plus-incentive-fee modification to the previously awarded fixed-price-incentive-firm target contract N00019-13-C-0016. This modification is for sustainment efforts and operations and maintenance services in support of Low Rate Initial Production Lot VIII F135 propulsion systems, including repair of repairables and replenishment spares. Work will be performed in Hartford, Connecticut (50 percent); Indianapolis, Indiana (36 percent); and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (14 percent); and is expected to be completed in November 2015. Fiscal 2015 operations and maintenance funds (Navy, Air Force) and international partner funds in the amount of $10,911,399 will be obligated at the time of award, $6,720,832 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract combines purchase for the U.S. Air Force ($13,830,097; 29 percent); the U.S. Navy ($29,185,949; 62 percent); and the international partners ($4,192,638; 9 percent). The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.


Elkins Constructors, Inc., Jacksonville, Florida, is being awarded a $35,704,700 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of the Bolden Elementary-Middle School at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. The work to be performed provides for demolition of the existing Bolden school and construction of a new two-story elementary-middle school for grades 3 through 8. The contract also contains one planned modification, which, if issued, would increase cumulative contract value to $37,454,000. Work will be performed in Beaufort, South Carolina, and is expected to be completed by October 2017. Fiscal 2014 military construction (Defense-wide, Department of Defense Education Activity) contract funds in the amount of $35,704,700 are obligated on this award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website with three proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Florida, is the contracting activity (N69450-15-C-1606).
 

Lockheed Martin Corp., Baltimore, Maryland, is being awarded a $24,793,980 modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-11-C-2300) to exercise an option for core class services in support of the Littoral Combat Ship program. Lockheed Martin Corp. will assess engineering and production challenges, as well as develop, evaluate costs and schedule risks for engineering change proposals and class baseline documentation in support of production efforts.Work will be performed in Moorestown, New Jersey (36 percent); Hampton, Virginia (30 percent); Washington, District of Columbia (23 percent); and Marinette, Wisconsin (11 percent), and is expected to be completed by December 2015. Fiscal 2014 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funding in the amount of $14,000,000 will be obligated at the 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.
 

Austal USA, Mobile, Alabama, is being awarded a $14,359,433 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-11-C-2301) to exercise an option for class services in support of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program. Austal will provide engineering and design services, as well as affordability efforts to reduce LCS acquisition and lifecycle costs. Work will be performed in Mobile, Alabama (72 percent), and Pittsfield, Massachusetts (28 percent), and is expected to be completed by December 2015. Fiscal 2013 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funding in the amount of $4,000,000 will be obligated at the 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.
 

The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Missouri, is being awarded $8,644,374 for firm-fixed-price delivery order 2067 against a previously issued Basic Ordering Agreement (N00019-11-G-0001) for follow-on integrated logistics support/engineering services for Harpoon /SLAM-ER Missile System and Harpoon Launch Systems for the U.S. Navy and various foreign military sales customers. Work will be performed in St. Charles, Missouri (91.84 percent); St. Louis, Missouri (5.47 percent); Yorktown, Virginia (2.64 percent); and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (.05 percent), and is expected to be completed in January 2016. Fiscal 2015 operations and maintenance (Navy) and foreign military sales funds in the amount of $8,644,374 will be obligated at time of award; $2,310,523 of which expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy ($2,310,523; 26.74 percent); and the governments of Turkey ($807,597; 9.35 percent); Taiwan ($706,776; 8.17 percent); Korea ($528,318; 6.11 percent); Japan ($471,056; 5.45 percent); Egypt ($456,647; 5.28 percent); Saudi Arabia ($365,656; 4.23 percent); United Kingdom ($316,563; 3.66 percent); Pakistan ($304,113; 3.52 percent); Australia ($303,525; 3.51 percent); Chile ($237,601; 2.75 percent); Canada ($231,071; 2.67 percent); Singapore ($216,855; 2.51 percent); Israel ($197,868; 2.29 percent); Portugal ($189,145; 2.19 percent); India ($168,656; 1.95 percent); Thailand ($165,516; 1.91 percent); Bahrain ($129,570; 1.50 percent); Kuwait ($88,155; 1.02 percent); United Arab Emirates ($85,015; 0.98 percent); Malaysia ($84,819; 0.98 percent); Oman ($83,837; 0.97 percent); the Netherlands ($81,455; 0.94 percent); Germany ($65,164; 0.75 percent); and Denmark ($48,873; 0.57 percent) under the foreign military sales program. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.
 

BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair, Norfolk, Virginia, is being awarded a $7,410,168 modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-10-C-4308) for USS Barry (DDG-52) fiscal 2015 emergent docking availability. The emergent docking availability includes the planning and execution of maintenance, repairs and modifications that will update and improve the ship's military and technical capabilities. Work will be performed in Newport News, Virginia, and is expected to be completed by February 2015. Fiscal 2014 operations and maintenance (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $7,140,456 will be obligated at time of award. Contract funds in the amount of $7,410,168 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Mid Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity.
 

General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Co., San Diego, California, is being awarded a $7,279,014 modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-13-C-4404) for USS Peleliu (LHA 5) fiscal 2015 decommissioning. After 35 years of service, USS Peleliu (LHA 5) will be removed from active service and placed in decommissioned status. Work will be performed in San Diego, California, and is expected to be completed in March 2015. Fiscal 2015 operations and maintenance (Navy) funding in the amount of $7,279,014 will be obligated at time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Southwest Regional Maintenance Center, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity.


General Electric Aviation, Lynn, Massachusetts, is being awarded $7,064,750 for cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery order 0005 against a previously issued Basic Ordering Agreement (N00421-14-G-0001) for the F414 Engine Component Improvement program, including engineering and engine system improvement support for the U.S. Navy and the government of Australia. Work will be performed at Lynn, Massachusetts, and is expected to be completed in December 2015. Fiscal 2015 research, development, test and evaluation funds (Navy) in the amount of $2,000,000 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This order combines purchases for the U.S. Navy ($6,733,928; 95.3 percent) and the government of Australia ($330,822; 4.7 percent) under the foreign military sales program. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.
 

DEFENSE INFORMATION SYSTEMS AGENCY

 

World Wide Technology, Inc., St. Louis, Missouri, was awarded a maximum $427,000,000 firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to obtain a reliable, responsive, and cost effective information storage infrastructure of "on demand" enterprise services for specified operating environments. The period of performance consists of a four-year base period and two one-year option periods, for a total contract life cycle of six years. Work will be performed at Defense Information Systems Agency locations worldwide, and the base period of performance runs through Dec. 18, 2018. Delivery Order 0001 for $100,000 is being obligated with defense working capital funds. Proposals were solicited via Federal Business Opportunities website, and seven proposals were received. The Defense Information Technology Contracting Organization, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, is the contracting activity (HC1028-15-D-0002).
 

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

 

Thomas Scientific, Inc.,* Swedesboro, New Jersey, has been awarded a maximum $48,000,000 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for laboratory supplies. This contract was a competitive acquisition and six offers were received. This is a one-year base contract with four one-year option periods. Location of performance is New Jersey, with aDec. 18, 2015, performance completion date. Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2015 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE2DE-15-D-0005).
 

Rockwell Collins, Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has been awarded a maximum $46,581,071 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for procurement of improved frequency modulation power amplifiers. This contract was a sole-source acquisition. This is a five-year base contract with no option periods. Location of performance is Iowa, with a Dec. 19, 2019, performance completion date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2015 Army working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland (SPRBL1-15-D-0003).
 

Rocky Brand, Inc., Nelsonville, Ohio, has been awarded a maximum $15,329,386 modification (P00102) exercising the second option year to a one-year base contract (SPM1C1-13-D-1017), with four one-year option periods, for hot weather combat boots. This is a firm-fixed-price contract. Location of performance is Ohio, with a Dec. 20, 2015, performance completion date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2015 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
 

Jianas Brothers Packaging Company,* Kansas City, Missouri, has been awarded a maximum $14,278,245 modification (P00207) exercising the third option year to a one-year base contract (SPM3S1-12-D-Z120), with four one-year option periods, for beverage base component items. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. Location of performance is Missouri, with aDec. 21, 2015, performance completion date. Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2015 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
 

Altama Delta Corporation, Atlanta, Georgia, has been awarded a maximum $10,148,631 modification (P00103) exercising the second option year to a one-year base contract (SPM1C1-13-D-1018), with four one-year option periods, for hot weather combat boots. This is a firm-fixed-price contract. Location of performance is Georgia, with a Dec. 20, 2015, performance completion date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2015 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
 

MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY

 

Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems of Woburn, Massachusetts, is being awarded a $45,237,277 contract modification (P00029) to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (HQ0147-12-C-0006). This contract modification is for the production of AN/TPY-2 transmit/receive integrated microwave modules (T/RIMMS) and an electronic equipment unit modification kit. Work will be performed in Woburn, Massachusetts, with an expected completion date of September 2016. Fiscal 2015 procurement funds in the amount of $45,237,277 are being obligated at time of award. The Missile Defense Agency, Huntsville, Alabama, is the contracting activity.
 

*Small business

South Carolina Guardsmen Recall Operation Just Cause 25 Years Ago

By Army Maj. Cindi King
South Carolina National Guard

COLUMBIA, S.C., Dec. 19, 2014 - The South Carolina National Guard bid farewell last year to its final serving member from the Vietnam War, leaving a generation of soldiers with vastly different combat experience after numerous deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald Elvis, Recruiting and Retention Battalion Command sergeant major, South Carolina Army National Guard, looks at pictures from his deployment to Operation Just Cause in Panama in 1989,Courtesy photo  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

There are however, currently serving members who deployed in combat to other regions, sometimes overlooked after 13 years of continuous deployments for the Global War on Terror following the 9/11attacks-- including Operation Just Cause in Panama in 1989.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the invasion of Panama, an operation mounted to bring President Manuel Antonio Noriega to trial on drug trafficking charges. It was a time when relations between both countries had already begun to deteriorate because of political and human rights abuses carried out by the Noriega regime as well as the death of an American Marine at the hands of the Panamanian military. The operation began on Dec. 20, of that year when President George H.W. Bush ordered more than 9,500 soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen to join the already 13,000 U.S. forces stationed in Panama.

Guardsmen Recall the Panama Operation

The South Carolina Army National Guard still has three members who deployed in support of Operation Just Cause a quarter-century ago.

"I was a young infantry specialist serving in the 1st Ranger Battalion at Hunter Army Airfield," said Army Sgt. 1st Class Rudy Fontanez, supply specialist, Company A, 218th Combat Support Battalion. "We had been training weeks before using a scenario of an airfield seizure. We had no idea at the time that was the rehearsal for what we were going to be asked to do in Panama."

Fontanez served on active duty from 1987 to 1991, joining the South Carolina Army National Guard in 1992.

The Ranger battalions would rotate for block leaves. According to Fontanez, troops with his unit were preparing to begin their scheduled block leave for the holidays, when they were unexpectedly called back to their units with leave cancelled.

Just Before Christmas

"It was right before Christmas, so as soon as we reported, within two days we had an operations order, conducted rehearsals, and were ready to go," Fontanez recalled.

His unit parachuted into an airfield in Panama under cover of darkness from a C-141 aircraft with nearly 3,000 other Army Rangers, taking small-arms fire that wounded some of those aboard.

"There was a lot of chaos on the ground, as you can imagine," Fontanez said. "Once we came in, we secured the airfield for follow-on units to arrive."

The Rangers' assignment was to stay until the airfield was in the control of other U.S. units to begin their operations and movement. Soon after this mission, Fontanez's unit would prepare to deploy to the Middle East and the first Gulf War which drove Iraqi forces out of Kuwait.

The 82nd Airborne Division based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina was another unit that deployed to Panama. The senior noncommissioned officer from the Recruiting and Retention battalion in the South Carolina Army National Guard, Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald Elvis, was a paratrooper in the 82nd when he was alerted to mobilize for Operation Just Cause.

"I was a SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon) gunner and specialist in B Company, 4th Battalion, 325th Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division," Elvis recalled. "We were just getting ready to go on Christmas block leave and were standing in line in the chow hall when we got the notification."

Elvis said an announcement came over the loudspeaker for an Alpha alert, in which everyone had to report as part of the reaction force. This was not uncommon for units designated for first response. He said they knew it was not a typical emergency deployment readiness drill when they saw live ammunition.

"Many in the ranks left for work on Dec. 18, saying goodbye to their families not knowing they would be mobilizing," Elvis said.

Paratroopers Arrive

On Dec. 20, 1989, almost 1,000 paratroopers from Elvis's unit jumped-in via C-141 aircraft through the darkness into a civilian airfield in Panama and immediately received small-arms fire.

"I remember seeing the tracer rounds all around us and thinking what have I gotten myself into," Elvis said. "We saw a lot of contact after we hit the ground, as our follow-on missions after securing the airfield were to conduct patrols, pull security and conduct checkpoints."

Once the order was given to transition from air to ground operations, the use of armored vehicles was critical to get into the fortified areas around Noriega's headquarters.

Maj. Dave King, the South Carolina Army National Guard Director for the State Partnership Program with Colombia, was a young lieutenant in 1989 and a member of 4-6th Infantry Battalion, 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized) at Fort Polk, Louisiana. His unit had deployed to Panama in September of that year as part of an ongoing rotation of U.S. forces securing the Panama Canal.

Combat Deployment

"Back then as an infantryman the expectation of actually seeing combat did not seem likely, unlike today's soldiers who know they will be called to deploy," King said. "It was mid-December when we knew we were going to be part of the invasion."

King's team augmented other units with mechanized infantry assets for the night-time assault on Noriega's headquarters. The battle at the headquarters is remembered as the bloodiest of the operation, with four U.S. soldiers killed and more than 60 wounded.

"We lost two soldiers in our battalion, Cpl. Ivan Perez and Pvt. Kenneth Scott," he said.

Noriega Surrenders

It was Jan. 3, 1990, when Noriega surrendered to U.S. forces. The dictator was put aboard a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and flown to then-Howard Air Force Base in Panama, where he was arrested by officials from the Drug Enforcement Administration. Shortly after word spread about Noriega's surrender, civilians in Panama began celebrating in the streets.

"The civilians we met were so grateful we were there," Fontanez said. "I remember while we were patrolling on New Year's Eve, we ran into a small group of locals who insisted we take a moment to celebrate the New Year with them."

Elvis said the U.S. troops' presence at the checkpoints was very much appreciated by Panamanians. "We had regulars who would visit us and bring us drinks, baked goods and food to show their appreciation," Elvis recalled.

Elvis said he learned a valuable lesson in Panama that he always shares with his soldiers today: to always be considerate of the local people when deploying to another country. He said it was Christmas Day and he thought it would be great for his soldiers to be able to call home to wish their families Merry Christmas. These were the days before cell phones, so their easiest option was to enter a hotel to borrow the telephone.

"We did not think about us going in a hotel with all of our tactical gear and how our live weapons would impact the guests," Elvis said. "We had to reassure everyone we just wanted to use the phone and were not trying to seize the hotel."

Panamanians Welcome U.S. Troops

King said another important lesson Operation Just Cause taught him was the importance of squad- and platoon-level infantry training. He said when operating in an urban combat environment, the skills of small-unit tactics is crucial.

During Operation Just Cause, 23 U.S. service members were killed and more than 300 were wounded. Still, Pentagon planners, including former Army Chief of Staff Gen. Edward C. Meyer called the mission one of the best-conceived operations.

A Quarter-century After Operation Just Cause

The members of the South Carolina Army National Guard who saw combat during Operation Just Cause said they have no special plans to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the mission.

"I can't believe it's been 25 years," Fontanez said. "I never really thought about it. As the years go by, the memories seem to fade about those days."

"I still run into soldiers from years ago from active duty," King said. "One of my young soldiers became a Command Sergeant Major, who I saw again during combat operations in Iraq. It was quite fitting he served at the beginning of his career in combat with the 4-6th Infantry in Panama and was winding it down as the battalion command sergeant major of the same unit in Iraq."

With little fanfare about Operation Just Cause over the years, these soldiers still recall those moments as young troops going to combat for the first time. Each has had follow-on deployments to the Middle East.

"We didn't have cell phones or the Internet in Panama to know what was going on everywhere," Fontanez said. "I heard more about the operation from talking to family who were watching CNN."