Stand-To: Procedure prior to first light to enhance unit security, a daily compendium of news, information, and context for Army leaders.

A delegation of lawmakers from Iowa honoring Medal of Honor recipient Staff Sgt. Salvatore A. Giunta, on Capitol Hill

"America is so blessed with people like Salvatore Giunta -- that makes America different -- different from the rest of the world. That makes America strong. Nothing we can say would be enough to thank Staff Sgt. Giunta. But as one who also received the medal, I can say I am proud to be in his company."

- Medal of Honor Recipient Dan Inouye, senator from Hawaii

"Staff Sergeant Giunta gives meaning to the truth that our real heroes today are not on our movie screens or in our sports arenas, and they are not avatars. Our real heroes are serving our nation in uniform."

- Sen. Tom Harkin of Iowa, emphasizing that Giunta's actions clarify the meaning of the word hero in the American lexicon.

MOH recipient Giunta honored by fellow Iowans on Hill

"I think it's unbelievable, in this time, in the state this country is in, that people still want to volunteer and do all the things they're doing for veterans. We really, really appreciate it. I can't put into words how huge it is what you're doing for us to make our lives easier.

- (Retd.) Staff Sgt. Jason Letterman, who lost both of his legs in an improvised explosive device blast in May 2008, is extremely thankful for the support from the 3rd ID community on the construction of a specially-adapted home for him and his family

Soldiers, community build home for wounded Marne hero

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2010-2013: 60th Anniversary of the Korean War

2011: 150th Anniversary of the Civil War

February :

African American History Month

Congressional Budget Hearings

Feb 1-7: National Patient Recognition Week

Feb 23- 25: AUSA Winter Symposium

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Statement on department budget and efficiencies as delivered by Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates at the Pentagon, Jan. 6, 2011

Press release: Deadline for retroactive stop loss special pay extended

Websites of interest:

Strengthening Our Military Families

Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay

Army G-1 Suicide Prevention

Comprehensive Soldier Fitness

Army Values

• Oprah features military families, I'm left stunned
• The First Lady visits Fort Jackson
• What they're reading: Different accounts of the Afghan war
• Technology without people is just very cool stuff
• Three deployments

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Net Zero

What is it?

The Army's goal is to manage our resources in a sustainable manner. Net Zero is a holistic approach to addressing energy, water, and waste. The Net Zero approach is comprised of five interrelated steps: reduction, re-purpose, recycling and composting, energy recovery, and disposal.

Reduction includes maximizing facility energy efficiency, implementing water conservation practices, and eliminating unnecessary waste generation. Re-purpose involves diverting energy, water or waste to a secondary purpose with limited processes. Recycling or composting involves management of the solid waste stream, development of closed loop water system, or energy cogeneration. Energy recovery occurs by converting unusable solid waste or thermal energy from a waste water stream to energy. Disposal is the final step after the last drop of water, the last bit of thermal energy and all other waste mitigation strategies have been fully exercised.

What has the Army done?

The Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment (ASA (IE&E)) has developed the Army's Net Zero Installation Strategy. The goal is for installations to be net zero, based on net zero energy, net zero water and net zero waste, all striving towards sustainable installations. We are creating a culture that recognizes the value of sustainability measures in terms of financial, mission capability, quality of life, local community relationships, and preserving the Army's future options.

What efforts is the Army planning for the future?

In April 2011, ASA (IE&E) will pilot this strategy with five net zero energy installations, five net zero water installations, and five net zero waste installations with one integrated net zero installation. These installations will work to achieve Net Zero by 2020. They will become the centers of energy and environmental excellence, showcasing best practices and demonstrating effective resource management. ASA (IE&E) will then identify an additional 25 installations in each category in FY14, who will strive to achieve net zero by FY30.

Why is this important to the Army?

Net Zero is a force multiplier, enabling the Army to appropriately steward available resources, manage costs and provide our Soldiers, families and civilians with a sustainable future. In an era of persistent conflict, a true stabilizing factor can be that of appropriate resource management. The Net Zero strategy ensures that sustainable practices will be instilled and managed throughout the appropriate levels of the Army, while also maximizing operational capability, resource availability and well-being.

Resources:

The Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment website

Documents: Net Zero - A force multiplier

New building energy efficiency tax deduction policy

Army announces new lighting policy

News Release: Sustainable design and development makes "less, smarter and better" a priority for buildings

Army welcomes new deputy assistant secretary for energy and partnership