Jan 26, 2010

Lt. Gen. Kevin T. Campbell, commanding general of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command (USASMDC/ARSTRAT), hosted a town hall meeting at the Bob Jones Auditorium in the Sparkman Center on Jan. 21 that focused on workforce education and training amongst other topics.

Jan 25, 2010

REDSTONE ARENAL, Ala. -- Kathy Stephens' head was spinning. It was the summer of 2001, and standing in the aisles of Walmart, the 305 pounds she carried on her 5-foot-2 frame had finally become too much. "I was too heavy," Stephens said. "I just asked God to help get this weight off of me. That was my red light moment."

Jan 25, 2010

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- Redstone commander Maj. Gen. Jim Myles joined other local officials in signing a resolution Jan. 11 in support of Census 2010 and the increased funding it could bring.

Jan 25, 2010

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- With several hours between the time school ends and work ends, many parents seek out after-school programs for their children. Child Youth and School Services offers parents another choice for after-school care, including pickup at some area schools. "We physically started doing the busing program in September," Andre Terry, Child Youth and School Services division chief, said. "The first bus arrived in October and the last one came in November." Five 15-passenger buses now travel the weekday routes to pick kids up at their school and deliver them to the Myra Garriott School Age Services building or the Youth Services Center next door, depending upon their age.

Jan 25, 2010

REDSTONE ARSENAL -- The sound of construction near Gate 10 will give way to the tunes of an Army band by next year. The Army Materiel Command Band is moving to Redstone Arsenal from Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., as part of base realignment and closure. The move is planned from this November through March 2011. Community members attended a groundbreaking ceremony Jan. 12 for the 40-member band's new facility on Patton Road just north of Heiser Hall. Construction of the 16,082-square-foot building is expected to be completed by January. The contract was awarded to Dyson Construction Company from Decatur for $4.383 million.

Jan 25, 2010

Prizes totaling nearly $4,000 are still up for grabs as the 2nd Annual Peer to Peer Safety Video Competion heads into the final months.

Jan 24, 2010

Series of pictures depicting Col. Harry Tunnell IV, commander of the 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, preparing for and departing on an aerial recon of the Kandahar region, Afghanistan, with members of the 82nd Airborne's Combat Aviation Brigade.

Jan 21, 2010

Jan 21, 2010

Anniston Army Depot has launched a newly designed public Web site. On Jan. 13, the Directorate of Information Management replaced the years-old home page with a new one, which is the handy work of information technology specialist Nick Thomas.

Jan 20, 2010

20100118-A-6816G-039 Cpl. Emanuel Stephens claps along with the Camp Bondsteel Gospel Choir during their performance for a ceremony on Jan. 18. The ceremony commemorated Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. 20100118-A-6816G-074 Members of the Good Glory gospel quartet perform songs alongside members of Camp Bondsteel Gospel Choir Jan. 18 as part of events to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. 20100118-A-7756F-011: Chaplain Maj. Maury Millican speaks during a Martin Luther King Program on Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo.

Jan 19, 2010

LEGHORN ARMY DEPOT, Italy - Yesterday, the 3/405th Army Field Support Brigade completed operations in support of U.S. Agency for International Development emergency relief efforts in Haiti.

Jan 19, 2010

LEGHORN ARMY DEPOT, Italy - Yesterday, the 3/405th Army Field Support Brigade completed operations in support of U.S. Agency for International Development emergency relief efforts in Haiti. The Caribbean country of Haiti was devastated last week by a magnitude 7.0 earthquake, prompting U.S. Ambassador to Haiti Kenneth Merten to declare a disaster due to the effects of the earthquake. The Government of Haiti estimates that at least 65,000 people perished in the disaster, the U.N. approximates that at least three million people are affected and the International Organization for Migration reports that roughly 200,000 Haitians have been displaced.

Jan 15, 2010

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. - The System Safety Policy Action Committee conducted its regular meeting at the U.S. Army Missile and Aviation Life Cycle Management Command Safety Office here, Jan. 12-13.

Jan 14, 2010

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- A chance meeting with Lt. Gen. Kevin Campbell in June 2009 led to a dream job for Iraqi war veteran and Purple Heart recipient Sgt. Sophia Malone.

Jan 14, 2010

Ken Rose was honored by John Manfre, safety director, U.S. Army Materiel Command for his two years of service as chairman for AMC System Safety Policy Action Committee during a committee meeting, Jan. 12 at Redstone Arsenal, Ala.

Jan 14, 2010

Maj. Gen. Robert J. Kasulke, Commanding General of the Army Reserve Medical Command (AR-MEDCOM), lectured first year medical students at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, on Friday, December 4 at their Manhattan campus.

Jan 14, 2010

TOBYHANNA ARMY DEPOT, Pa. - Tobyhanna employees transferring to a new tenant organization were notified recently as part of the shift of the supply, storage and distribution (SS&D) function from the Army to the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA).

Jan 14, 2010

TOBYHANNA ARMY DEPOT, Pa. - Tobyhanna employees transferring to a new tenant organization were notified recently as part of the shift of the supply, storage and distribution (SS&D) function from the Army to the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA).

Jan 14, 2010

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala.--The U.S. Army Materiel Command Band held the official groundbreaking of their new facility here Jan. 12. "What a great event. This marks the last ground breaking for our BRAC construction projects (at Redstone Arsenal). We are so glad you could be here and a part of it," said Col. Robert M. Pastorelli, Redstone Arsenal commander.

Jan 13, 2010

A water main ruptured Tuesday morning causing immediate flooding of the east parking lot at the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command.

Jan 13, 2010

The Army has passed another plateau toward its goal of improving Army contracting with the promotions of two general officers. The promotions of Stephen B. Leisenring and Joseph L. Bass are important steps in adhering to the recommendations made in the Gansler Commission Report of the Commission on Army Acquisition and Program Management in Expeditionary Operations. Leisenring is the commander of the Mission and Installation Command, Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas. Bass is the commander of the U.S. Army Expeditionary Contracting Command, Fort Belvoir, Va. The ECC and the MICC are subordinate commands of the Army Contracting Command, a major subordinate command of the Army Materiel Command. ACC has two out of three of its general officer positions that were recommended as part of the Gansler Commission findings in place.

Jan 8, 2010

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- Jeff Moran has a standing invitation with his Marine Reserve unit in Montgomery. This University of Alabama-Huntsville student is on standby with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marines just in case the unit gets orders for a deployment to Southwest Asia. If and when the unit does deploy, it will be Moran's third time to go to war.

Jan 8, 2010

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- In order to provide the best support possible, it is not unusual for members of U.S. Army Security Assistance Command to travel to the nations it works with. On Oct. 31 to Nov. 1 they were a part of a historic conference when a Foreign Military Sales Program Management Review was held in Iraq for the first time.

Jan 8, 2010

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- A wandering spirit - combined with the desire to help Soldiers - took the Garrison's Angela Bailey halfway around the world. As a quality assurance specialist (ammunition surveillance) - or QASAS - employee and an Air Force Reserve master sergeant, Bailey has had plenty of opportunities to travel with her work. She added Iraq to her list of destinations during a six-month tour where she worked at two ammunition supply points - with three months in Talil and the other three months in Balad. She returned in late November.

Jan 8, 2010

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- As a student, Linda Morton's art teacher gave her an "A" for her quiet demeanor - and told her to never take an art class again. She had no talent. The 2009 Army Arts and Crafts Contest would beg to differ.

Jan 8, 2010

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala.-- Building relationships - between military organizations; among Soldiers, civilians and contractors; throughout the Redstone community; and with city, state and national leaders - has been and will continue to be the key to meeting mission success for the Aviation and Missile Command. No Army organization stands alone. AMCOM's commander, Maj. Gen. Jim Myles, knows that it's his organization's ability to build teaming relationships that will sustain success in providing Soldiers with the best aviation and missile systems during a time of uptempo support, tight budgets, high expectations and fast turnaround programs

Jan 5, 2010

During the past 10 years, Soldiers have experienced an average of 361 cold weather-related injuries every year. Cold weather injury prevention is a command and leadership as well as a personal responsibility and successful management of cold depends on proper knowledge and understanding of problems associated with working in cold environments.

Jan 1, 2010

: Sgt. 1st Class Claire Lum Lee, Honolulu; Selyete Zymeri, Sgt. Heather Barta, Minot, N.D., and Spc. Jennifer Kanahele, Hilo, Hawaii, display a donated blanket from linens that were being distributed to disadvantaged locals from the region of Novo Brdo, Kosovo, on Dec. 28, 2009.

Dec 30, 2009

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala.--Lean Six Sigma is about improvement, reduction of cost, elimination of waste and problem solving but it also consists of complex problems.

Dec 23, 2009

In this season of joy, hope and giving, Earl and Debe Austin are transformed into characters that are larger than life and equally as fun to portray.

Dec 22, 2009

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- For Pfc. Barbara Stone, joining the Alabama Army National Guard was a lifelong aspiration. Since January 2008, she has served her country. Now, as a 20-year-old, she is looking forward to climbing the ranks, refining her skills as an information technology specialist and taking advantage of the opportunities the Guard can offer her. Her first sergeant, 1st Sgt. Johnny Whisenant, said he hopes Stone enjoys her National Guard career as much as he has enjoyed serving for 39 years. "I want her to be all she can be," said Whisenant, referring to an Army slogan. "Now, the nation as a whole, is putting so much into the Guard. She will be well-trained and she will work with the best equipment available. She will have a sense of purpose."

Dec 22, 2009

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- Military stars will fall on Huntsville in August. Huntsville could very well adopt its own version of the state's famous slogan - "Stars Fell on Alabama" - when some of the nation's most highly decorated military heroes travel to the city to participate in the first-ever Medal of Honor event hosted in their honor in Alabama. The "Medal of Honor Gala: In the Company of Heroes" is set for Aug. 28 at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center's Davidson Center for Space Exploration in Huntsville, Ala. The gala, hosted by the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation, will be the main event in a weekend of activities planned for about 35 Medal of Honor recipients and foundation board members who are expected to attend. "This will be the largest gathering of Medal of Honor recipients in the state of Alabama and one of the largest ever in the Southeast," said Jay Town, a former Marine major who is serving as the weekend's event chairman.

Dec 21, 2009

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. - How do you carefully and expertly repair and return the tools of war' You assemble your best personnel; plan profusely and ultimately Reset America's Army.

Dec 21, 2009

The 2/405th Army Field Support Battalion is taking its show on the road, visiting various units throughout Germany to showcase the battalion's capabilities and services to units.

Dec 17, 2009

University of Phoenix is now offering credit for three Civilian Education System courses.

Dec 17, 2009

The non-commissioned officers of the 405th Army Field Support Brigade honored the brigade commander Col. Jack Haley for his support to the NCO Corps during a presentation that was attended by all brigade sites throughout Europe via video-teleconference.

Dec 17, 2009

U.S. Army Chief of Staff GEN George Casey joined hundreds of football fans at the Dec. 12 Army-Navy game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pa., who stopped by Army equipment displays outside the stadium showcasing state-of-the-art and next-generation guns, vehicles, UAVs, and robots. "Fans are excited. They like to see what the new technology is," said Thomas Banks, a TACOM engineer who stood by the 33-ton ambush-protected Buffalo vehicle.

Dec 16, 2009

The Army Materiel Command recently participated in the BRAC to the Future III event which serves as an update to the Tennessee Valley community regarding Base Realignment and Closure transitions. Held in downtown Huntsville Dec. 15 at the Von Braun Center, the event highlighted the impending 2011 BRAC implementation by placing various local chambers of commerce, community leaders, civilian leadership and military officials in one location, at the same time.

Dec 16, 2009

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala.-- Page Hakim, 19, did not just lose a father Dec. 12, 2008. She lost a hero. "I was so proud of my dad," Hakim said, recalling the tales she got to tell classmates and teachers growing up, of her father, Oregon State Police senior trooper William Hakim, the bomb technician that saved lives on a daily basis, and came to speak to her classes, bomb truck in tow. "How many people can say that'" Families, friends, law enforcement and bomb technicians from across the country joined the Redstone Arsenal community Dec. 7 for the 2009 Bomb Technician Memorial Ceremony, to honor and remember Hakim and Lt. Michael Avilucea who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2008.

Dec 16, 2009

REDSTONE ARSENAL, ALa. -- The Army's longest serving colonel - and possibly its longest serving Soldier - said his "goodbyes" to a career of challenges and opportunities at a retirement ceremony Dec. 4 in Bob Jones Auditorium. Col. Richard Hatch, who completed 40 years, eight months and 22 days of service with nearly nine years as a colonel, said retirement was a fleeting thought during the latter years of a career that included stints as an enlisted Soldier, a chief warrant officer and an officer with five command assignments. Since July 2008, Hatch has served as the director of aviation maintenance transformation for the Aviation and Missile Command. "I've thoroughly enjoyed this career," said the 57-year-old Soldier. "Every time an opportunity has come up it has been a challenge, it has been interesting. The leadership obviously had confidence that I could do the job. The Army had a way of giving me challenges and extremely self-fulfilling assignments. This is a very unique culture. It is a profession of arms, a special group of people who serve in the U.S. military." It's now family opportunities - including a wife who wants to travel and four grandchildren who he wants to spend time with - that are leading to Hatch's retirement.

Dec 16, 2009

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- Staff Sgt. Lechelle Ford and Staff Sgt. Keisha Cook-McClary helped trim the Christmas tree at the Munitions Training Department in building 3305 where they are Standard Army Ammunition System instructors. Ford, from South Boston, Va., and Cook-McClary, from Smackover, Ark., both plan to spend the holidays in Huntsville with their families.

Dec 16, 2009

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- Focusing on others throughout the year - that was the wish Lt. Gen. Kevin Campbell expressed during his comments at the second annual Garrison Holiday Ball Dec. 4 at the Officers and Civilians Club. Speaking to a gathering of more than 300 merrymakers, Campbell told his audience that selfless service, a joyful spirit and the goodness that is exhibited this time of year should be a way of life. "I always wish we could sprinkle that throughout the entire year," he said. "My wish is that we could sprinkle this wonderful joy throughout the year." Campbell, commander of the Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command, was the guest speaker at an event that has quickly become one of the highlights of the holiday season on Redstone Arsenal. The Garrison Holiday Ball is hosted by Garrison commander Col. Bob Pastorelli and his wife, Anna, and is coordinated by FMWR. The evening included a receiving line, a welcome from Pastorelli, entertainment by the Columbia High choir, a Garrison video and dancing.

Dec 16, 2009

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- The High Mobility Artillery Rocket System is a repeat award winner. This precision strike weapons system, assigned to fire brigades supporting brigade combat teams, is the only two-time recipient of the Secretary of Defense Performance-Based Logistics award. The award recognizes government and industry teams providing war fighters with exceptional operational capability through PBL agreements. "This is the second time our team has been rewarded for a really good job of supplying fielded capabilities," said Col. David Rice, project manager for the Precision Fires Rocket and Missile Systems office of the Program Executive Office for Missiles and Space, which oversees management of the HIMARS program. "From start to shoot, HIMARS is performing extremely well in a high-tempo environment and harsh conditions. Logistics is often an overlooked function. But this award shows that our HIMARS government-industry logistics team is a poster child for what performance-based logistics is supposed to look like." The HIMARS Product Office, managed by Lt. Col. Greg Paul and including a team of about 150 employees, works with industry partner Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fires Control Systems of Dallas to provide logistics support for fielded HIMARS units. Also part of that partnership is the Aviation and Missile Command's Integrated Materiel Management Center and the Letterkenny Army Depot, Pa.

Dec 15, 2009

Leaders and forward observers with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division conduct a fire control exercise in which Paratroopers and units manuever against a simulated enemy while calling for indirect fire.

Dec 15, 2009

Celebrate the holidays with safety in mind

Dec 14, 2009

TOBYHANNA, Pa. - A town hall meeting was conducted Dec. 2 at Tobyhanna Army Depot in northeastern Pennsylvania for employees who perform the storage and distribution function for the Army industrial mission located here.

Dec 11, 2009

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- This holiday season a single Christmas tree will light the Afghanistan darkness - and the hearts of the Soldiers of ISAF Joint Command. "The lighting of a tree has always reminded us that there is still hope, there is still light in the midst of darkness," said Lt. Col. Mickey Jett, chaplain for the command in Kabul, Afghanistan. "We will light the tree right before dusk and remember God's blessings upon our nation, remember what we are fighting for, the right to worship God according to the dictates of our heart, the right to sing and know we are blest." The tree lighting won't just bring some Christmas spirit to the Soldiers, but also a special present from Redstone Arsenal and the Huntsville community. It was less than two weeks ago that Laura Ayers, headquarters AMC program lead for Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages and the Government Industry Data Exchange Program, received an e-mail from Jett, who she had worked with at HQ AMC-forward, letting her know that they were hoping to have a special tree lighting ceremony and wanted to distribute care packages filled with basic necessities to their Soldiers. Ayers responded immediately that 150 special surprises, as well as a Christmas tree would be delivered in time for Christmas.

Dec 11, 2009

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- Leah Shallbetter is bracing herself for another year of separation from her husband, Sgt. 1st Class Rob Shallbetter of the Alabama National Guard's 441st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Battalion. The Toney resident can tell the story of her husband's three deployments based on the ages of the couple's children - 7-year-old Bette was three weeks old when her father deployed to Afghanistan, 5-year-old Josie was three months old when her father deployed to Iraq and, for his upcoming deployment, the family's youngest member, John Robert, is 2 1/2 years old. "I'm nervous about this deployment being a year," Shallbetter said. "But I have a strong faith in the Lord and that keeps me at peace. It's really harder for him because he will be away from the kids for so long." The Shallbetters were among several families and a crowd of 500 who attended the deployment ceremony for the 45 Soldiers of the 441st on Dec. 2 at the Jaycees Building in John Hunt Park. The Soldiers left Dec. 3 for additional training and preparation at Camp Shelby, Miss., before deploying to Baghdad, where they will use their training and "the best equipment money can buy" to protect and defend U.S. troops against explosive ordnance and other enemy attacks, said their commander, Lt. Col. Roger Yearwood.

Dec 11, 2009

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- Since its inception in 2007, Honor Flight Tennessee Valley has flown 1,002 World War II veterans free of charge to Washington, D.C. to see their memorial. The one-day trips, which started with the maiden voyage of 14 veterans flown on a commercial flight, grew into major community events both in Huntsville and D.C., involving hundreds of volunteers and flag-waving well wishers along with a show of patriotism that followed the veterans as they visited their memorial, Arlington Cemetery, the Korean War Memorial, the Marine Corps Memorial and other D.C. sites. Those trips are destined to become part of history in the spring of 2010 as Honor Flight completes its final flight. "This program has been about the recognition of the accomplishments of these veterans. They are the oldest living generation who paid for the freedom we are enjoying. We owe them everything, and we are grateful we've been able to give them Honor Flight," said Joe Fitzgerald, who has spearheaded the local Honor Flight effort and who serves as president of the Honor Flight board of directors. Currently, Honor Flight has a database of almost 200 WW II veterans who will fly on the April 24 and May 29 Honor Flights. The organization will continue to take applications for those flights through Jan. 31.

Dec 11, 2009

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- Max Bennett will be the first to point out that he isn't a one-man show. Although he was recognized as the 2009 Veteran of the Year by the North Alabama Veterans and Fraternal Organizations Coalition during its annual Veterans Day Dinner, Bennett said the real credit goes to the members of the Redstone Arsenal Chapter of the Warrant Officers Association and other organizations who have worked alongside him in serving veterans and providing support for community initiatives. "This is a very personal award, and I am honored and humbled to receive it," he said. "But this award really reflects the hard work that members of the Warrant Officers Association do in this community." Bennett, a retired chief warrant officer 4, is the president of the Warrant Officers Association.

Dec 11, 2009

Entries are being sought for the Fort Monroe Online Heritage Project Photo Contest. Everyone, to include the general public and military families stationed around the world, is encouraged to participate. The contest will continue through the end of January and winning photos will be published in the Fort Monroe newspaper, the "Casemate."

Dec 11, 2009

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- This has been a tough year for the Army education system. The Army Continuing Education System lost its contractor employees worldwide in November after a contract dispute. Contractors represented about 60 percent of the system's work force. The only places unaffected were in Europe because their contract wasn't up for bids. At Redstone's Education Center, five of seven workers were lost. The Garrison reduced the impact by providing two interns, bringing the center's staff to four. "Had it not been for the Garrison Model Intern Program that we established, we would not have had these two high-performing employees on our staff," Garrison human resources director Joe Winston said. Fortunately, the contract dispute was resolved Friday and the contractors returned to work Dec. 7.

Dec 11, 2009

Personnel from the Theater Aviation Sustainment Manager-Europe off-loaded a three-story cargo ship filled with critical equipment destined for Afghanistan. The TASM-E personnel provided key movement support Oct. 25-27 to the Soldiers of the 3rd Combat Avn. Bde., 3rd Inf. Div. based out of Hunter Army Airfield at Fort Stewart, Ga. The movement included an array of helicopters, containers and various pieces of cargo essential to provide continued support for Operation Enduring Freedom.

Dec 9, 2009

Thirty Soldiers as part of the Army Sustainment Command-Reserve Element participated in a Situation Training Exercise (STX) Lanes Training Nov. 15 at Rock Island Arsenal. The STX lane training focused on Warrior Tasks and Battle Drills to hone the Soldiers' skills and confidence to effectively function, survive and win in a combat environment. They departed RIA Nov. 18 for Fort Benning, Ga., for more training. From there, the Soldiers are slated for deployment to Southwest Asia.

Dec 8, 2009

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala.--"We have an obligation and a responsibility to be investing in our students and our schools. We must make sure that people who have the grades, the desire and the will, but not the money, can still get the best education possible," said President Barack Obama.

Dec 8, 2009

The 405th Army Field Support Brigade recently hosted Brig. Gen. Harold J. Greene, the deputy commanding general for the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md. Greene visited the brigade to discuss the integration of military technology, specifically the Field Assistance in Science and Technology team's activities, into the brigade's operations.

Dec 7, 2009

Seats are filling quickly for Army Management Staff College's 5th Annual Leadership Symposium, March 2-4, 2010 at Fort Belvoir, Va., so those wishing to attend should register soon.

Dec 7, 2009

Army Management Staff College extended the application deadline for the 2nd annual Excellence in Education Award.

Dec 4, 2009

Where are you from'" Maj. Gen. Jim Myles asked each of the young Soldiers as he filled their plates with ham. Myles, commander of the Aviation and Missile Command and Redstone Arsenal, was among the servers Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26, at the Dining Facility during the annual Thanksgiving feast for the troops. The others included Lt. Gen. Kevin Campbell, commander of the Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command. It's a tradition throughout the Army that the senior Soldiers serve the Thanksgiving meal to the troops.

Dec 4, 2009

The best way to understand World War II is through the words of a veteran who actually lived the fight, experienced the battlefield and saw the ugly carnage left behind by a blood-thirsty and threatening enemy. That's the premise of a new book - "Through Eyes of Courage" - recently published by well-known military activist, author and radio personality David Carney and his wife, historian and author Judy Carney. Through the stories of 26 World War II veterans, their book shares a variety of experiences from that war. Every story honors all veterans and the sacrifices they made. And to further honor the veterans, the Carneys are donating all profits from the book to the Tennessee Valley Honor Flight, a program that flies WW II veterans to Washington, D.C., free of charge to see their memorial.

Dec 4, 2009

Thanks to Dr. Bill McCorkle, Redstone Arsenal's Thanksgiving week began with a visit from a prestigious group of local, state and national dignitaries, including the mayors of Huntsville and Madison, several retired and active Army generals, Rep. Parker Griffith and Sen. Richard Shelby. They gathered with employees of the Aviation and Missile Research Development and Engineering Center in Bob Jones Auditorium at Redstone Arsenal, Ala., at 9 a.m. Nov. 23 to congratulate McCorkle on 52 years of civilian service in leading the development of missile, aviation and simulation technology at Redstone. And they sent him into retirement with a rousing rendition of the Army Song. Thanking those in attendance for "all this attention," McCorkle, 81, spent his moments at the podium not glorifying himself, but attempting to throw the attention back on the employees who are committed to AMRDEC's role in supporting the war fighter. "There are a lot of people here who continue to contribute tremendously to what we've done together," he said. "I want to thank you for the opportunity I've had to participate in the many changes that have occurred, particularly since 1980." In November of that year, McCorkle was selected for the dual role as the technical director of the then Missile Command (now Aviation and Missile Command) and the director of the then Army Missile Laboratory (now the 3,100-employee AMRDEC). Since coming to work for the Army at Redstone Arsenal in 1957, McCorkle has had significant involvement in nearly every Army rocket and missile development program, and has established himself and AMRDEC as an international leader in aviation and missile technology.

Dec 3, 2009

Throughout her career, Kathy Hawk has had mentors. Yet, many of the professionals she sought out for guidance and assistance didn't even know they were viewed in that way. Looking back on a civilian and military career that has taken her to the Pentagon, the U.S. embassy in Cairo, Egypt and Iraq, Hawk said most of her mentors were established with professionals she respected and admired through her own informal workplace process. "I had no formal mentor that helped carry me through my career because I worked here and I worked there," said Hawk, who is the chairwoman of the Political Science Department at the University of Alabama-Huntsville and a Navy Reserve commander and executive officer. "Sometimes formal programs create artificial structures. Mentors are people who sincerely want to help others and that's how, in many ways, the bonding starts." Hawk, who spoke at the Women in Defense Mentorship Luncheon on Nov. 6, urged the 85 women attending the event to be mentors in their everyday lives to younger professional women and men who need guidance in their careers.

Dec 3, 2009

There's an old saying that "dead men don't talk." But this is a story about a dead man who did plenty of talking -- and living and breathing - after a car crash that became the impetus for his bestselling book "90 Minutes In Heaven - A True Story of Death and Life." Don Piper is, indeed, a walking miracle, even if some may find it hard to believe he actually went to heaven after a car crash with an 18-wheeler and then returned to life to share his story. That accident crushed nearly every bone in Piper's body, severed two of his limbs and caused emergency personnel to pronounce him dead at the scene. He shared his story with an audience of more than 100 at Redstone Arsenal's Bicentennial Chapel on Nov. 17. "I believe God answers prayers. I believe God is in the miracle business," Piper said. "I'm standing here at Redstone Arsenal because a lot of people prayed and God said 'Yes.' "Sometimes God says 'No.' Sometimes he says 'Maybe.' Sometimes he gives us more than we ask for. But no matter what, He wants to hear from us and that's what prayer is. Prayer is not just asking for stuff. It's about talking to God. God wants to hear from his children." Piper's story is riveting, curious, inspiring and, downright, heavenly. Piper, who grew up in a military family, captivated the Bicentennial Chapel audience as he recounted his experience of that fateful day in January 1989.

Nov 30, 2009

It's the men's 10,000 meter final in the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo. And America's Billy Mills is running the race of his life. He's in third place entering the final stretch. He surges to the front, past the prerace favorite, Australia's Ron Clarke. Mills wins the gold medal. To this day, he remains the only American to have ever won an Olympic medal in the 10,000 meter race. "That moment was magical," he told the applauding audience Thursday in Bob Jones Auditorium. "I truly felt I had wings on my feet." Mills, a Sioux Indian who ran for Kansas University, was the keynote speaker at Team Redstone's National American Indian Heritage Month celebration.

Nov 30, 2009

After they tried their hand at catapulting missiles and flying airplanes, Emma Gould and Heather Blackwell decided to gather autographs. So, with crayons in hand, they went around the classroom, asking each of their adult leaders to autograph their spiral notebooks. "Ya'll are nice. We just want to remember this moment," Emma told the volunteer teachers, many of whom work at the Aviation and Missile Research Development and Engineering Center. "This is the best time ever," added Heather. While gathering autographs is decidedly not scientific, the two girls spent most of their day discovering all types of science and engineering challenges in fun classes that grabbed their interest, let them experiment hands-on and gave them the freedom to be, simply, young girls enjoying each other. The first-ever Girls' Science and Engineering Day took place Nov. 14 at the Shelby Center for Science and Technology on the campus of the University of Alabama-Huntsville. Some 454 girls in grades three through five from across Madison County attended the all-day event, which included about 20 classes on such topics as "Fun in a Hospital Laboratory," "Building a Tasty Model with Gumdrops," "The Wacky World of Weather," "Making Your Own Robot Jitterbugs," "Strawberry DNA Extraction," and "Video Games and Science: The Secret Connection."

Nov 30, 2009

The giving spirit of Christmas 2009 has already left its mark on the gravesites of Madison County's veterans and on the hearts of the volunteers who lovingly placed red-bowed wreaths on those gravesites. On a cold, gray fall morning, more than 100 volunteers armed with greenery and hammers walked the grounds of Maple Hill Cemetery to place 2,200 holiday wreaths on veteran gravesites. The next day, they visited Valhalla Memory Gardens where another 560 wreaths were placed on veteran gravesites. Now in its third year, the project - known locally as Wreaths for Veterans and nationally as Wreaths Across America - continues to grow larger in terms of volunteers and organizations involved. "People are so supportive of this," Wreaths for Veterans chairperson Joy Parker said. "It's unbelievable. It warms your heart. "Because the veteran has given us the freedom we enjoy today we want to give back a token in remembrance and honor. We're putting these wreaths on gravesites to honor and remember our fallen veterans here in Madison County. We are doing this to give a little back." Parker and co-chair Jennifer Hames, who are both military wives and members of the Redstone Garden Club, started Wreaths for Veterans after seeing a picture of holiday wreaths decorating the snowy gravesites at Arlington National Cemetery. They started the project with the help of the Redstone Garden Club, although now it involves volunteers from several other local groups. "I saw that beautiful picture at Arlington Cemetery and I thought 'Why can't we do this in Madison County''" Hames said on Nov. 18 as wreath decorating operations were winding down at Maple Hill Cemetery. "I sent the first e-mail that started this whole thing rolling. People are so willing to help us because they are aware of veterans and what they have done for our country."

Nov 30, 2009

Moments after Maj. Gen. James Myles took off in the Corpus Christi Army Depot UH-1H Huey to attend a meeting at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, UH-60A crew members from Fort Rucker, Ala., launched the last A-to-A recapitalized Black Hawk from the depot, Nov. 4.

Nov 24, 2009

The Army marked a historic milestone on Nov. 20 when Brig. Gen. N. Lee S. Price became its first female program executive officer. Price became leader of the Army's Program Executive Office (PEO) Command, Control and Communications-Tactical during a Change of Charter Ceremony at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., presided over by the Army Acquisition Executive, Dean G. Popps, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology who leads 13 PEOs, including PEO C3T. This continues a historic trend, marked notably in July 2008 when the United States Senate unanimously confirmed Gen. Ann Dunwoody as the Army's first female four-star general.

Nov 24, 2009

FORT MEYER, Va. - Chap. (Lt. Col.) Barry M. White manages the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Pentagram Chaplain's Corner. Multiple chaplains assigned in the national capital region contribute to the Chaplain's Corner each week. This week, he gave those chaplains a Thanksgiving break and filled in the Chaplain's Corner himself.

Nov 24, 2009

With her recently redeployed husband among those in the audience for the first time in the week-long competition, Lisa Pratt was named winner of the 2009 Operation Rising Star singing contest Nov. 20, on Fort Belvoir, Va.

Nov 24, 2009

America's largest veterans service organization has launched a new Web site, bulging with new content and featuring a completely redesigned look. American Legion National Commander Clarence Hill said the new Web site, "is a tremendous addition to our online presence. It's more informative, better-looking, and easier to navigate than our previous site. I encourage Legionnaires to visit www.legion.org and explore the wealth of content in its pages."

Nov 24, 2009

No movie has been made of Otis Sistrunk's life, although he has acted in a few, including "Car Wash," a 1976 comedy produced by Universal Pictures.

Nov 23, 2009

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala.Aca,!"Safety took center stage on Friday, Nov. 20, at the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command (USASMDC/ARSTRAT) here when Commanding General Lt. Gen. Kevin T. Campbell hosted the annual command safety council meeting for all senior leaders.

Nov 23, 2009

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany - The 3/405th Army Field Support Brigade (AFSB) recently completed a resupply operation in support of the U.S. Agency for International Development's (USAID) U.S. Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance. Due to recent disasters in the Pacific Rim, USAID's relief supply inventory in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, needed to be restocked.

Nov 20, 2009

First impressions can be lasting ones. And, for a group of 36 wounded warriors, their impressions of Huntsville and North Alabama - its hospitality, the beautiful fall weather, the fun events, the people - will be among their happiest memories for a long time to come. Thanks to the Semper Fi Community Task Force, the local community once again rolled out the red carpet for a group of Soldiers and Marines, and their spouses, who have made tremendous sacrifices for the nation. Heroes Week is in its third year of welcoming wounded warriors to North Alabama for events leading up to and including Huntsville's Veterans Day Parade. "You can tell there's been a lot of effort put into planning this for us," said Army Sgt. 1st Class Landon Ranker during an interview in the lobby of the Westin Hotel, where the group stayed during their visit. "There's a lot behind it. There are a lot of contributions and a lot of people who have made this an overwhelming force of appreciation and thank you. The fact that they are doing this for us is incredible." Besides all the work that many volunteers put into Heroes Week, Marine Staff Sgt. Francisco "Frankie" Quintero said the setting - North Alabama's mountains and lakes, its fall foliage and the scenic attractions - combined with the hospitable people to make it a visit to remember. "I love it here," he said. "It's beautiful. This is my first time in Alabama. The scenery and the people are just wonderful."

Nov 19, 2009

If you look hard enough and ask questions, you can probably find someone with a rich background in Native American Heritage in every organization. U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command is no exception.

Nov 18, 2009

The Civilian Education System 3rd and 4th-quarter classes are now open for registration, and those enrolling will see a major change in the application process.

Nov 17, 2009

PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. Aca,!" During a ceremony here Nov. 9, Picatinny officials broke ground for a new Naval packaging, handling, storage and transportation facility that will house Navy operations being transferred to Picatinny as a result of 2005 Defense Base Realignment and Closure Commission recommendations.

Nov 16, 2009

Army officials named the Research, Development and Engineering Command as winners of the Superior Unit Award. The award is presented by the U.S. Army for service to the nation "beyond what is expected."

Nov 13, 2009

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - Soldiers face stresses unique to their occupation. Time away from home, deployments and heavy workloads cause Soldiers to feel substantial work-related stress.

Nov 13, 2009

Nov 13, 2009

The Great American Smokeout Nov. 19 may be for you, if improving health and saving money interests you.

Nov 13, 2009

Nov 13, 2009

The Northern Alabama Veterans Day parade in Huntsville, the second largest in Alabama, is intended to thank living veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to emphasize the fact that all those who served have sacrificed and done their duty. The parade was Nov. 11, and SMDC/ARSTRAT's commanding general, LTG Kevin T. Campbell, was the key reviewing officer.

Nov 12, 2009

Nov 12, 2009

During his 52 years as an Army civilian, Dr. Bill McCorkle has been recognized countless times for his contributions in the fields of aviation and missile technology. Throughout his career, McCorkle has "had fun" working as a designer, explorer, researcher, developer and manager. He is a scientist, engineer, mathematician, organizer, pilot, teacher, leader and visionary. He is a charter member of the Army's Senior Executive Service, and an internationally recognized leader in aviation and missile technology. He is the director of the Aviation and Missile Research Development and Engineering Center where, with more than 3,100 employees involved in research and development of missiles, aviation and unmanned aerial vehicle technology, he leads the Army's largest research and development center. As the chief of AMRDEC and its forerunner, the Army Missile Laboratory, McCorkle oversees an organization that has been named the Army's best laboratory eight times since it was formed in 1981. But more than anything else, McCorkle is a physicist. "I've always believed that people should do what they are interested in," he said, as he sat in an office where the table and desk are overflowing with administrative and research reports, shelf space is filled with numerous awards and accolades, and the white board is covered in scientific equations.

Nov 12, 2009

In 2000, Redstone Arsenal's Army Community Service was among the first to go through the Army's three-year accreditation process. Last week ACS became the first to receive its fourth three-year accreditation. "We are the first in the Department of the Army to pass for a fourth time with commendation - which means above and beyond," ACS director Sue Paddock said. "I'm really thrilled. It's very hard work. The ACS team met all of the standards a hundred percent. It's a total team effort with our community partnerships as well. A lot of community agencies played a part which contributed to our success."

Nov 12, 2009

Brick by brick, steel beam by steel beam, Redstone Arsenal is experiencing a fundamental change in its business landscape that is destined to affect its tenants and the entire Tennessee Valley community for years to come. A drive along the Arsenal's main thoroughfares offers plenty of evidence to the expanding footprint of Arsenal facilities. New buildings are going up, renovations are taking place and expansions are under way. Growth is in the air. No one knows that better than Joe Davis, director of the Garrison's Directorate of Public Works, and his busy staff, who are charged with managing, overseeing and maintaining the Arsenal's facilities. "We've got more going on here than I can ever remember," Davis said. "Besides everything we've got going on, other agencies - such as NASA and the FBI - also have construction projects on the Arsenal. Fiscal year 2009 has been a record setting year for construction."

Nov 10, 2009

MCALESTER, Okla.--The United States Army Technical Center for Explosives Safety (USATCES) is dedicated to eliminating ammunition and explosives accidents and chemical agent accidents in every phase of the ammunition life cycle.

Nov 10, 2009

MCALESTER, Okla.-- Quality Assurance Specialist, Ammunition Surveillance, (QASAS), is the oldest career program in the Department of Army. QASAS serve as the primary technical experts providing logistics, quality assurance and explosives safety expertise in direct support of Army units throughout the theater.

Nov 10, 2009

ROCK ISLAND, Ill.--The Defense Ammunition Center (DAC) hosted the 18th Demilitarization Users Group Meeting (DUGM) on 21-22 Oct. 2009, at the downtown Holiday Inn, Rock Island, Ill.

Nov 10, 2009

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala.-- A business case designed to overhaul Army Materiel Command's process of procuring industry and military commercial standards, specifications and parts has resulted in a new contract, streamlined process and significant savings to the entire command.

Nov 6, 2009

Congressional staffers from the Utah delegation visited U.S. Army Materiel Command headquarters Nov. 6 as a way to learn more about the command and its mission. The staffers received a tour of AMC's Tech Gallery, which showcases advancements in research and development for today's warfighter, an AMC overview brief, and a briefing and ration sampling from the DoD Combat Feeding Directorate, located in Natick, Mass. The samples included new foods that are expected to be fielded to warfighters in the future. Later, the delegation visited the Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center's Night Vision Labs and the Mine Lanes, located at Fort Belvoir, Va. The staffers were Bill Castle, Military Legislative Assistant and Lt. Col. Lyle Drew, Air Force Military Legislative Fellow, both for Sen. Orrin Hatch, and Clint Satterthwaite, Military Legislative Assistant to Sen. Robert Bennett.

Nov 6, 2009

Tracy Swint is the complete package -- a well-dressed professional, an educated and accomplished physicist, a deeply religious woman, and a confident and happy person who believes in facing the world with her own direct brand of honesty. And yet, she is also the face of addiction. Swint suffered through years of drug and alcohol abuse that started with prescribed medications as a college student. Her addiction was fueled by her memories of growing up in a troubled family, and an unquenchable need to hide her pain and sorrow from herself and those around her. "People confuse addiction with someone who lives under a bridge," Swint told a small group of Redstone Arsenal employees who attended the Red Ribbon drug and alcohol abuse prevention event Oct. 26 at Heiser Hall.

Nov 6, 2009

Hundreds of flag-waving patriots put on quite a celebration Oct. 24 when 122 World War II veterans arrived at Huntsville International Airport after a daylong trip to Washington, D.C., to see their memorial. There were JROTC re-enactors dressed in WW II uniforms and dancing in the halls as families and supporters congregated in the airport's new waiting area. The Huntsville Concert Band and vocalist Margie Cumbie performed patriotic and WW II era music for the crowd and Girl Scout Troop 287 led the Pledge of Allegiance. Volunteers from the Association of the U.S. Army gave out flags and the Patriot Guard Riders stood at attention as the event's color guard. Uncle Sam -- in the form of local military cheerleader retired Sgt. 1st Class David Carney -- made periodic announcements of when the chartered plane would land. Entire families waited eagerly to embrace their returning veterans. When the first WW II veteran finally came through the entry way, a cheer from the crowd went up. As they went down the walkway, the veterans were welcomed, thanked and hugged by hundreds of well-wishers.

Nov 6, 2009

During a question-and-answer session, Joint Chiefs of Staff vice chairman Gen. James Cartwright was asked a question that cut to the heart of America's concerns related to overseas contingency operations - What have you, general, advised President Barack Obama concerning the future war effort in Afghanistan' The question, asked by Marine reservist Staff Sgt. Jeff Moran, a student at the University of Alabama-Huntsville where Cartwright made a presentation as part of a new distinguished speaker series, gave the Marine Corps general an opportunity to provide a glimpse into the relationship the nation's Joint Chiefs of Staff have with the president. Although he declined to give specifics of his private conversations with President Obama, Cartwright did tell his audience of local community, business and military leaders as well as UAH students at the Oct. 27 gathering at the Shelby Center that any recommendations must be considered in a global context. "We all know things change and war is an engagement in a constantly evolving fight," he answered. "Our number one priority is to stop nations out there with weapons of mass destruction that can fundamentally change our way of life. The second priority is to eliminate extremist groups out there who want to fundamentally change our way of life. Those have to be gotten rid of. They cannot be given sanctuary."

Nov 6, 2009

Members of the total Army family at Redstone had their voices heard last week. They expressed their quality of life concerns during the 21st annual Army Family Action Plan conference Oct. 27-28 at the Officers and Civilians Club. Thirty-four delegates were evenly distributed in three work groups: Consumer Services, Medical/Dental, and Benefits/Entitlements. "This is to have all of the Army family voices heard - whether that be DA (Department of Army) civilians, Soldiers, spouses, retirees," Nicki Swindle, quality of life program manager at Army Community Service, said. "And everyone has an equal voice."

Nov 6, 2009

The red, white and blue will be flying high on Veterans Day when the Huntsville community comes out in full force for its annual Veterans Day Parade, Nov. 11. From the Scouting troops with their floats to the Cahaba Shriners with their tiny hot rod cars to the big brass sounds of local school bands, this year's Veterans Day Parade is sure to be fun for both participants and spectators. And in the center of all that fun will be the Soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines honored by the festivities. "People love the Soldier marching," said retired Sgt. 1st Class David Carney, operations officer for the parade. "We have the most patriotic community in the nation. I hear from people all across the nation that they've never seen a military and civilian community that works so well together. This is a great patriotic community. And, every year, the Veterans Day Parade is the most exciting parade we've ever had." For sure, every year the parade gets bigger and better. This year, more than 100 entries are expected. There will be seven bands, led off by the impressive Alabama A&M Band; 11 JROTC and ROTC units; and entries by the ever popular Cahaba Shriners, Madison County Heritage Commission, Scouting troops, Vets for Vettes Corvette Club, Patriot Guard Riders, Semper Fi Riders, and dance and twirling groups. There will be several float entries from corporate and community organizations, military hardware and a horse-drawn stagecoach. The 1,000 Soldiers with Redstone Arsenal's 59th Ordnance Brigade/832nd Ordnance Battalion along with the Arsenal's color guard will be a main part of the festivities. "This is a day when everyone is bursting with pride because we get to recognize our veterans," Carney said. "This is a day for them to be proud of their nation, and proud of the servicemembers who have worked to make this the greatest nation on earth. This is a time when parents can show their children and their families what it means to serve their country." The parade begins at 11 a.m. in downtown Huntsville on Clinton Avenue, extends through downtown on Monroe Street, Williams Street and Lincoln Street, then again on Monroe Street and ends on Holmes Avenue. The theme is "Courage, Sacrifice and Duty - Heroes Among Us."

Nov 5, 2009

Dr. Steven L. Messervy, Deputy to the Commander for Research, Development & Acquisition at USASMDC/ARSTRAT, explains the reorganization of the RDA component of the command.

Nov 5, 2009