Merry Christmas And Happy New Year To All

I Would To Take This Time To Wish Everybody A Very Merry Christmas And A Very Happy New Year - I Would Also Like To Thank Every One For The Many Heart Warming E Mails Concerning My Posts - In The Future I Will Try To Add Many Up To Date Photos And Things Of Great Importance - Again Thank You All For Your Great Support - Sincerely Bert T. Isobe -

Marine Guilty In Stabbing Death Of Iraqi Soldier

Camp Pendleton - A Military jury Thursday found a Marine lance corporal guilty of negligent homicide in the stabbing death of an Iraqi soldier last year and of lying to superiors about the incident. The jury five enlisted Marines and three officers, all of whom have served in Iraq - found Lance Cpl. Delano Holmes not guilty of unpremeditated murder, which could have brought a life sentence. The lying and negligent homicide convictions carry a maximum penalty of eight years in prison and a dishonorable discharge. Holmes, 22 a reservist from Indianapolis, has been in the brig since May.

EX - Commissary Director Admits $128,000 Theft

A retired commissary store director has admitted stealing at least $128,000 from his store at Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. according to the U.S. Attorney's office in the Arizona district. James Leahey, 69, of Marble Falls, Texas, pleaded guilty in Federal court Oct. 18 to theift and miney laundering, He admited converting hundreds of vendor credit checks to cash and using the money to gamble and make personel purchases from Oct. 1997 - july 2004, according to the U.S. Attorney's office. Defense Commissary Agency spokesman Kevin Robinson said Keahey retired from the commissary system Sept. 3, 2004. Robinson said a vendor credit checl is issued by a vendor to reimburse the goverment for products marked down for a quick sale, or for outdated or damaged merchandise that is returned to the vendor.Leahey failed to log hundreds of vendor credit checks in his commissary's books, instead exchanging them for cash from a store cash drawer and pocketing the money, investigators said. Leahey will be sentenced Jan. 8, convictions for theft of public money and money laundering each carry a maxium penalty of 10 years in jail, a fine of up to $250,00, or both.

Pay And Benefits - Washington D.C.

What's Up - The Defense Department opposes an intiative that would make it easier for Tricare beneficiaries living in U.S. territories to use space availible transport on military aircraft to travel to medical appointments. The House passed propposal, aimed mainly at military retires, would displace other space-A- travelers, including teachers at Defense Department schools, students on their way to and from college, civilian employees and members of the Red Cross, defense officials said.

What's Next - With the proposed travel benefit under discission by congressional negotiators, defense officials arer willing to accept a compromise to allow space avaloble travel, but with outgiving Tricare beneficiaries the normal higher priority for return flights granted to travelers on military aircraft. A decision could be made by the end of the year.

The Human Toll - Latest K.I.A.

Operation Iraqi Freedom


U.S. service members who died while supporting combat
operations in Iraq. Confirmed by the defense Department
Oct. 26 - Nov.1

- Army Spc. David E. Lambert, 39 Oct. 26 Baghdad Iraq

- Army Pfc. Adam J. Chitijan, 39 Oct. 25 Balad, Iraq

-Army Staff Sgt. Robin L. Towns Sr. 52 Oct. 24 Bayli Iraq

OIF Casualty Totals

Oct. 26 - Nov.

Killed 1 ------ Wounded in action 58

March 19, 2003 - Nov. 1

Killed 3,830 ------ Wounded in action 28,385

United States - Airlift Reorganization

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Mosley announced four proposed initiatives to reorganize C-130 tactical airlift units as part of this Total Force Integration program. According to an Air force press release, the initiatives would impact units in Tennessee, New York, Georgia and Arkansas,as follows.

- The Tennessee Air National Guard's 118th Airlift Wing at Nashville International Airport would train partner nations to operate C-130s.

- The New York Air National Guard's 107th Airlift Wing would partner with the Air Force Reserve Command's 914th Airlift Wing at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station to employ the 914th's C-130H airlifters.

- The 94th Airlift Wing at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga. would convert from a domestic C-130 training unit to a combat coded unit.

- The Tactical Airlift Center of Excellence at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. would absorb the domestic training formerly done by the 94th Airlift Wing, plus expand it's C-130J training responsibilities.

Singapore - Commando Sling

Six F-16s from the 51st Fighter Wing at Osan Air Base, South Korea have flown to Paya Lebar Air Base, Singapore, to participate in Exercise Commando Sling 2008, which runs Oct. 29 through Nov.16, Pacific Air Forces announced. The exercise series which involves the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps and the Singapore Air Force runs through the summer of 2008.

Washington - Spouce Memioral Moves Forward

What's Up - A military widow and a military spouse are pushing forward in their efforts to build a monument in the Washington, D.C. area to honor military spouses. Karie Darga and Nicole Alcorn met with the National Capitol Memorial Advisory Commission on Oct. 23, one of the first steps in the process. since Rep. Thelma Drake, R-Va. introduced a bill in July authorizing the monument to be built on government property, 99 co sponsors have signed on. Alcorn is the wife of a Navy explosive ordnance disposal officer, and Darga is the widow of Navy EOD Chief Paul Darga, who was killed Aug. 22, 2006 in Iraq.

What's Next - The memorial would be funded by private donations. If the bill passes, the two will start raising funds. They've already received $10,000 from their first major donor the Patriot Guard motorcycle riders, who help families during military funerals. The total estimated cost is #30 million to #50 million.

Health Care - V.A. Gears Up To Fight Infection

What's Up - The Department Of Veterans Affairs announced it is expanding a program to stop staph infection. In all 153 VA hospitals, officials take extra steps to check incoming patients for methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureaus, known as MRSA, the potentially deadly infection that has been in the headlines lately.VA is also taking extra precautions for already infected patients so they do not spread the bacterium.

What's Next - A pilot program reduced the spread of staph infections by 50%, which is why VA officials have great hope for an expanded program. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention believe there are about 94,00 MRSA cases a year in the U.S. presenting a risk for pneumonia, infections in wounds and the bloodstream, and even death because it is resistant to antibiotics and other treatments.

Marine Family United

Rowland Heights Calif. - Thanksgiving Day gave the Brinkmans much to be thankful for. The entire family was together for the first time since Brandon, a 21 year old Marine, shipped out to Iraq in April. In the next few months, Brandon's sister, Danielle, 19 and also a Marine, will leave for her first tour of duty in Iraq. It's going to be one heck of a Thanksgiving, said mother Anita Brinkman. This is going to be real special for all of us to be together again. It's going to be a real blessing. Brandon Brinkman returned home Wednesday night, but may be going back for a second tour he said. If we go we go he if we do not we do not he said. Anita said she could hardly contain her joy when she saw the bus that contained her son pulling into the Marine Base at 29 Palms about 8:30 p.m. It's the greatest gift a mom can have said Anita Brinkman to have your two kid's home on Thanksgiving. Because the Marine's father, Keith is a nine year veteran L.A. County firefighter, the family celebrated with the crew of fire station 145 on South Nogales Street. Thanksgiving is so much fun at the fire house said Anita said. Just having every one together is the best experience. The firefighters spent the day preparing three turkeys with all the trimmings for their family members. periodically stopping to respond to emergency calls before the meal was ready, family members said. Anita Brinkman said both children grew up in Rowland Heights, graduated from Rowland High, and followed their father's footsteps in to the U.S. Marine Corps.

Happy Thanksgiving To Everybody

Hello - I would like to take this time to wish every one a very Happy Thanksgiving. Please click on my link to the Viet Nam Wall and pay your proper respects to our brothers and sisters that we lost to the Viet Nam War. They can not be here with us in person, but they can be with us in spirit. I my self lost a great friend in combat back in Nam during the Tet Offensive at The Ben-Het Special Forces Fire Base in 1969. This was during intense combat and till this day I still morn my good buddy John J. Joyce. Thank you everybody for your great support, and again Happy Thanksgiving.

Military Death - K.I.A.

David A. Boris, 30, of Pottsville Pa. captain, Army, Boris was one of two soldiers killed Monday when a roadside bomb exploded near their vehicle in Bermel in Eastern Afghanistan's Paktika province. He was assigned to the 1st Squadrom, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team in Schweinfurt, Germany.

Military Deaths - K.I.A.

Phillip A. Bocks, 28, of Troy Mich. sergeant, Marine Corps. Bocks was among six troops who died when they were attacked with rocket propelled grenades and small-arms fire in an ambush Nov. 9 while on foot patrol in eastern Afghanistan's Nuristan province. He was assigned to the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, Calif.

Military Deaths - K.I.A.

K.I.A - Derek R. Banks, 24, of Newport News, Va. specialist, Army National Guard, Banks died Wednesday at Brook Army Medical Center in San Antonio of burn injuries suffered Oct.25 when a roadside bomb exploded near his vehicle in Baghdad. Another guardsman was killed in the explosion, and three others were injured. Banks was assigned to the 237th Engineer Company, 276th Engineer Battalion, 91st Troop Command in West Point Va.

Test Of A Good Leader

How can an individual's leadership potential be determined? That question is at the heart of an Air Force attempt to develop a standardized test to gauge the leadership qualities of prospective cadets at the Air Force Academy. At the Air Force's request, the Gallup Organization is meeting with officers to get their views on what it takes to get their views on what it takes to be a leader.It will then develop a sample multi-choice test designed to measure a prospective student's innate leadership abilities. If the test is determined to have merit, prospective cadets could be taking a leadership test by 2009. The best way to gauge leadership in high school teens is to do what most universities including the academy already do, look at the school, church and community activities in which the student is active, and role the student has played in those organizations. But the test is likely to be better, or at least more consistent, than another method the academy uses to gauge leadership potential, asking volunteers mostly former students and officers - to meet with interested high school kids and make a judgment based on gut instinct of 1,700 people must vary widely. But one wonders why anyone thinks students as smart as academy cadets won't be able to figure out the right answers on a multiple choice test of leadership ability. There's nothing wrong with developing another tool by which to determine which prospective students are best suited to the academy and to future positions of leadership in the Air Force. But Air Force officials should view the results of these tests with a healthy degree of skepticism, go slow in implementing them, and put a great deal more weight on the tangible evidence of each candidate's leadership skills.

Questions For VA Nominee

The White House's nomination of retired Lt. Gen. James Peake as the next secretary of Veterans Affairs is an interesting choice. Peake began his career as an infantryman, was wounded in Viet Nam, became a doctor and spent 40 years in uniform before retiring in 2004 after four years as Army surgeon general. If confirmed, he'd be the first retired flag officer, and the first doctor, to serve as VA secretary. He would clearly bring a unique perspective to the job. But that's no reason for the Senate Armed Services Committee to treat his nomination lightly. Peake was Army surgeon general in the early days of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. Many of the problems at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and with the Army's disability rating system which led to the firings and resignations of senior officials this year can be traced to policies in place during his tenure. This is not to say Peake is responsible for those leadership failures. But senators should seek a clear understanding about what he knew, or should have known, while serving as surgeon general. Next, the committee must press which the Bush administration has shortchanged over the past seven years. Senators should demand assurances that Peake will be open and forthright about VA's full budget needs even if ding so irks his White House bosses. They also need to know Peake's views on the recent proposals for overhauling the disability evaluation and ratings system. Which have the most merit? Finally, how would he tackle VA's growing backlog of 600,000 claims. The issues facing VA, amid a long war with no end in sight, are too vast and serious for the Senate to treat this nomination with kid-glove formality.

Funeral Protesters Lose $11m Lawsuit

The father of a fallen Marine was awarded nearly $11 million in damages Oct. 31 by a jury that found leaders of a fundamentalist church had invaded the family's privacy and inflicted emotional distress when they picketed his son's funeral. Albert Snyder of York, Pa. sued the Topeka, Kansas Westboro Baptist Church for unspecified monetary damages after members staged a demonstration at the March 2006 funeral of Lance Cpl. Matthew Snyder, who was killed in Iraq. The defense said it planned to appeal and one of the church's leaders, Shirley Phelps-Roper, said the members would continue their pickets of military funerals of military personnel killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, carrying signs such as " Thank God for dead soldiers " and " God hates fags. "

Reaper Scores A Kill

The Air Forces use of remote controlled aircraft passed another milestone Oct. 27 with the first airstrike flown by an MQ-9 Reaper, the services newest unmanned plane. According to Central Air Forces, an MQ-9 fired a Hellfire missile at Afghan insurgents. The strike was successful CentAf said. The Reaper can carry up to 3,000 pounds of weapons while the predator is limited to 500 pounds of munitions.

Airman Tops In Rugby

The Air Force dominated the 2007 Armed Forces Rugby Championship, held Oct. 24-27 at Camp Lejeune, N.C. Te airmen went undefeated through a four match round robin competition, then downed Army by a score of 22 to 5 in the championship round. Altogether, the Air Force outscored the sea and land teams 138 to 33, including a 39-3 sinking of the Navy. Three Air Force team members earned places on the all tournament team. Senior Airman James Hubby, 1st Lt. Joe Riedesel and 1st Lt. Tyler Terrazone.

Guilty Plea In Fort Dix Plot

A man pleaded guilty Oct. 31 to providing weapons to a group of men accused of plotting an attack on Fort Dix, N.J. Agron Adullahu, 25, faces up to five years in federal prison when he is sentenced Feb. 6. Authorities said the men scouted out East Coast military installations, including Dover Air Force Base, Del. to find one to attack but settled on Fort Dix largely because one of them knew his way around from delivering pizzas to the base for his father's restaurant. The installation was not attacked, and the other five men have pleaded not guilty.

Medal Of Honor Faker Gets 34 Months

A former soldier was sentenced Nov. 1 to almost three years in federal prison for felony bank fraud and one misdemeanor count of falsely claiming that he had earned the Medal Of Honor. Richard David McClanahan was sentenced during a 15 minute hearing in U.S. District Court in Amarillo, Texas, by federal district Judge Mary Lou Robinson. McClanahan, 29 , dressed in a black pinstriped suit and black and blue tie, was sentenced to 24 months for felony bank fraud and 10 months for the misdemeanor, according to the U.Ss. attorney's office in Amarillo and Brooks Barfield, McClanahans attorney. The sentences will run consecutively, resulting in a 34 month prison sentence. McClanahan pleaded guilty Aug. 9 to two of three charges against him and admitted that he committed bank fraud and falsely claimed a Medal Of Honor, Christy Drake, the assistant U.S. attorney in Amarillo has said. As part of the plea agreement the prosecution dropped the other charge against McClanahan, in which he accused of falsely claiming he had three Silver Stars, three Purple Hearts and the Legion of Merit.

Update - Ex Marine D.I. Convicted

San Diego - In the biggest such case in decades at the Marine Boot Camp here, former Marine Corps drill instructor Sgt. Jerrod Glass was convicted Wednesday by a military jury on 8 counts related to the abuse of recruits. Glass 25, who was charged with kicking, punching, slapping and ridiculing the young men, could face 91/2 years in prison and a dishonorable discharge. Jurors indicated, however, that they did not believe dozens of specific allegations in which the only witnesses were the alleged victims themselves. That could count in Glass's favor when he is sentenced. In a four day trial, nearly two dozen former recruits testified that Glass abused them for minor mistakes during training at the Marine Corps recruit depot San Diego and at Camp Pendleton. After convicting Glass, the Marine jury of three officers and three senior staff noncommissioned officers heard testimony concerning his sentence. The jurors will begin deliberations on sentencing today.

Intel Work Earns Bronze Star

The Bronze Star Medal was awarded to an Air Force intelligence officer whose work helped U.S. forces find and detain Iraqi insurgents. Capt. David Hearn, with the 50th Operations Support Squadron out of Colorado's Schriever Air Force Base, received the medal at a mid Oct. ceremony. Deployed to Iraq from May to November last year, Hearn helped gather and present intel to a Joint Special Operations Task Force. We would build a target package consisting of the target's known locations, his associates and meeting places, and then pass that on to Special Forces soldiers. Hearn said at the ceremony, according to a statement then they would track him down His work resulted in more than 750 targets, 350 successful missions and 1,800 intelligence packets. Some of his material was later used by the Iraqi judicial system to convict insurgents, the statement said.

Airman Stabbed To Death

An airman stationed at Barksdale Air Base, La. was stabbed to death at his apartment in southeast Shreveport Oct. 29. Police said the incident happened shortly before 8 A.M. Richard England went to a neighbor's apartment trying to get help and then called his girlfriend to tell her that he had been stabbed, police said. Police found him lying outside a doorway with multiple stab wounds.

Enola Gay Pilot Dies At 92

Paul Tibbets, the Air Force pilot and commander of the B-29 that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima Japan, died Nov. in Columbus, Ohio. He was 92. Tibbet's historic mission in the plane named for his mother was the first use of a nuclear weapon in wartime. The plane and it's crew of 14 dropped the 5-ton "Little Boy" bomb on the morning of Aug.6 1945. The blast killed 70,000 to 100,000 people and injured countless others. Tibbets then a 30 year old Air Force colonel, never expressed regret over his role. It was he said, his patriotic duty, the right thing to do. Tibbets has requested no funeral and no headstone, fearing it would provide his detractors with a place to protest.

Broken B-1B Flown Home

How many airmen does it take to get a broken B-1B Lancer bomber out of Afghanistan? Hundreds from veteran pilots who flew the crippled bomber to maintainers who pulled out the damaged engine. On Aug. 26 a B-1B bomber made an emergency landing at Kandahar Airfield in southern Afghanistan after the jets No. 4 engine caught fire. While investigators set about to discover what went wrong, teams from Air Force Materiel Command were summoned to figure how to get the $238 million bomber out of Afghanistan and to a friendlier location where the aircraft could be repaired. The plan to fly the B-1B on engines out of Kandahar finally got a green light. The jet took off Oct. 2 for a one-stop flight that eventually landed in England, where Air Force teams are working to make the plane fully airworthy.

Jet Named For City

The Oregon Air National Guard has named one of it's F-15 fighter jets the " City Of Salem." Displaying an emblem with an artist's rendition of the State Capitol, the fighter will be based in Portland and is expected to be in the air several times each month to patrol the West Coast. The jet was named as part of the "Cities Of Honor" program for the Oregon Air Guard. Salem is one of 20 cities in Oregon and southwest Washington the Guards 142nd Fighter Wing will recognize by placing a logo on the nose of an F-15.

San Diego Calif.

Marine Boot Camp Abuse Case Goes To Jury - A military jury deliberated for five hours Tuesday with out reaching a verdict, in the case of a former drill instructor accused of assaulting dozens of Marine recruits in the boot camp here. Sgt. Jerrod Glass, 25 faces a maximum of 11 years in prison if convicted of all 10 counts of abuse. The jury will resume deliberations this morning. It takes a two-thirds vote of the 6 jurors to convict. The allegations of abuse are the most serious to come out of the boot camp in decades. Prosecutors say that Glass kicked, punched, slapped and ridiculed nearly all 40 members of a platoon over two months. Prosecutor Lt. John Torresala said Glass showed a complete disregard for higher authority and the chain of command. Marine rules prohibit drill instructors from touching recruits except in specific situations, such as when they are showing them how to march or hold a rifle. There's no way he doesn't know he broke the rules, Torresala said.

Happy Veterans Day To You

Hello - My Name Is Bert T. Isobe - I My Self Am A Retired Combat Vet And Served In Viet Nam In 1968 - 1969 - My Main Duty Locations In Nam Where Pleiku - Kontum - Dac-to And Ben Het - I Was With B/Battery 6/14th Artillery - If You Where There Please E mail Me - Just To Say Hello Or Add Info That I Can Add To My Blogger - My E Mail Address Is bert.i@sbcglobal.net - Thanks Again And Happy Veterans Day To Everybody - Also Please Click On The Viet Nam Wall Button On My Site To Pay The Proper Respects To Our Fallen Brothers -

The World

Istanbul, Turkey - U.S. officials met with Iraqi and Turkish diplomats here Saturday on the crisis threatening Iraq's northern border, but key Kurdistan officials failed to offer assurances that they would move against Kurdish militants attacking Turkey from havens in their region American officials said. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice led the U.S. delegation in meetings with the foreign ministers of Turkey and Iraq amid a broader two day gathering of Arab countries and world powers to discuss Iraq's many problems. But Ryan Crocker, the U.S. ambassador to Iraq, acknowledged that though the leaders of Iraq Kurdistan have offered support, they have not yet taken any action that shows they will move against the militants as the United States and Turkey want. A lot of the right things are being said, Crocker told reporters, But what's important is that the right things are done on the ground.

FEMALE SOLDIER K.I.A. IN IRAQ

Baghdad - The U.S. military said Saturday that a female soldier died Thursday in a roadside bomb attack on her patrol south of Baghdad, the 90th American servicewoman killed since the invasion. Servicewomen are not assigned to offensive missions in Iraq, but they often participate in raids, patrols and other active duty in a variety of roles, such as flying helicopters or dealing with Iraqi woman during U.S. missions. Because of that, fatalities among servicewoman have been relatively rare, constituting fewer than 3% of military deaths among the U.S.- Led coalition forces, according to the website icasualities.org. which tracks fatalities in the Iraq war. Still women have seen more combat during the Iraq war than in any previous U.S. engagements and causes of deaths are largely the same as those of their male counterparts, including roadside bombs, motor attacks, suicide bombings and the downing of helicopters. The soldier killed Thursday was identified as 2nd Lt. Tracy Alder, 30 of New Aburn,Wis. according to an associated Press report quoting the soldiers mother, U.S. officials did not confirm the name of the soldier Saturday.

Karachi, Pakistan

President Pervez Musharraf's declaration of emergency rule in Pakistan plunged the country into fresh crisis Saturday, clouding the prospects for a return to civilian rule and posing the the greatest quandary yet for the United States in it's dealings with an essential but problematic ally. Saturdays proclamation gives sweeping powers to Musharraf, an army general who seized the presidency in a coup eight years ago but has seen his grip on power falter in recent months. He wasted little time in wielding his new authority, suspending the constitution, sending troops into the streets and deposing the chief justice, who had been a particular thorn in his side. He jammed private TV channels that have been critical of his rule and cut telephone service in Islamabad the capital. In a televised address to the nation late Saturday, Musharraf declared that Pakistan was at a dangerous juncture and that Islamic extremists were threatening the authority of the government. But critics denounced the emergency measures as driven by domestic political woes than threats to national security. Musharraf has been considered a crucial U.S. partner since his decision in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks, to aid the United States in it's war against Islamic Militants, including Al Qaeda and the Taliban, but even as the United States pours billions of dollars of military aid into the country, many have questioned the depth of his commitment to fighting the radicals. The Bush administration expressed deep concern Saturday, but stopped short of personal condemnation of the general, whom it has supported through months of growing unpopularity among his people. The U,S. has made clear that it does not support extra constitutional measures would take Pakistan away from the civilian rule, Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice told reporters Saturday while traveling from Turkey to Israel. And whatever happens, we will be urging a quick return to the path of constitutional rule and constitutional order, we are urging calm on all the parties.

From Boys To Marines

A Marine recruit stumbled from the ranks and collapsed on a dirt trail. A corpsman, her medical bag bouncing in the dust, hustled over to the fallen man. The recruit was bathed in sweat, his face clammy and sickly green. As the troop column marched on, the drill instructor cried out, " here comes the silver bullet ". The recruit was about to receive the ultimate indignity a shiny rectal thermometer to check his body temperature. It happened on the trail for all to see: pants down, buttocks bared. The column kept moving. It was the final day of the Crucible, a three day ordeal in the harsh , scrubby foothills of Camp Pendleton. If a recruit survives the Crucible, the midpoint of the 13 week boot camp, he will likely survive to graduation.

Ankara, Turkey

Turkeys foreign minister Friday urged the Bush administration to replace it's words with action,as Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice arrived here for emergency meetings aimed at persuading Turkey not to attack Kurdish militants based in nothern Iraq. Foreign Minister Ali Babacan, expressing his frustration with continuning rebel attacks, declared that we need action. This is where the words end and the action needs to start.

Miram Shan, Pakistan

A missile destroyed a suspected militant hide out in northwestern Pakistan near the Afghan border, killing 10 people and wounding 11, security officials said. Washington said there was no indication that the U.S. military was involved in the strike on a compound in Danday village, on the outskirts of the town of Miram Shad. Milants blocked a reporter from approaching the building that was hit, and later took the dead and wounded from the scene, two Pakistani officials said.

Afghanistan

A soldier with the U.S. - led coalition and an Afghan soldier were killed in clashes with insurgents in southern Afghanistan, a coalition statement said. The announcement said that the soldiers has died in Oruzan province but did not give other details.

Bush Criiticizes Democrats Attitude To Terrorism

President Bush compared Congress Democrats leaders Thursday with people who ignored the rise of Lenin and Hitler in the last century saying the world paid a terrible price then and risks similar consequences for inaction today. Bush accused Congress of stalling important pieces of the fight to prevent new terrorist attacks by dragging out and possibly jeopardizing confirmation of Michael Mukasey as attorney general, a key part of his national security team, failing to act on a bill governing eavesdropping on terrorist suspects, and moving too slowly to approve spending measures for the Iraq war, Pentagon and veteran programs. Unfortunately on too many issues, some in Congress are behaving as if America is not at war. Bush said during a speech at the Heritage Foundation. This is no time for Congress to weaken the Department of Justice by denying it a strong and effective leader . It's no time for Congress to weaken our ability to intercept information from terrorists about potential attacks on the United States OF America. And this is no time for Congress to hold back vital funding for our troops as they fight Al - Qaida terrorists and radicals in Afghanistan and Iraq. bush's remarks were his second in two days alleging inaction on Capitol Hill, which has been led by Democrats since January. This speech focused on measures related to the war on terror, while Wednesday's emphasized disputes between the White House and Congress over domestic issues. He argued that the current debate over the Iraq war and the Bush administrations anti terror methods harkens back to debates decades ago in Washington when Soviet founder Vladimir Lenin first talked about launching a communist revolution, when Adolf Hitler began moves to establish an "Aryan superstate" in Germany, and when some argued that Cold War accommodation of the Soviet Union was wiser than competition. Now we're at the start of a new century, and the same debate is once again unfolding, this time regarding my policy in the Middle East, Bush said once again voices in Washington are arguing that the watchword of the policy should be stability. Bush said denial that we are at war is dangerous. History teaches us that under-estimating the words of evil, ambitious men is a terrible mistake. Bush said Bin Laden and his terrorist allies have made their intentions as clear as Lenin and Hitler before them. And the question is, will we listen. Congress earned Bushe's scorn even while he offered praise because a key Senate committee has passed a new eavesdropping bill containing many provisions the president wants. It's an important step in the right direction he said. He repeated earlier criticisms of a move to combine spending bills for the Defense Department and veterans programs with one for labor, health and education matters that Republicans consider bloated, Bush also lamented that his emergency spending request for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan still languishes. When it comes to funding our troops, some in Washington should spend more time in Washington should spend more time responding to the warnings of terrorists lie Osama Bin Laden and the requests of our commanders on the ground.

Kabul Afghanistan

A night time raid in eastern Afghanistan by U.S. and Afghan troops sparked a gun battle that killed three people, including two children and the military said Thursday it is investigating the deaths. Civilian casualties have incited resentment and demonstrations against U.S.and Nato forces, though officials blame militants who use civilian homes as cover during clashes. President Hamid Larzai has pleaded with Western forces to do all they can to prevent such deaths.The latest civilian casualties came as U.S. and Afghan troops were raiding a compound suspected of harbring militants belonging to a suicide bombing network. They were fired upon as they approached late Wednesday in Bati Kot district in Nangarhar province, said Maj. Chris Belcher, a spokesman for the U.S.- Led coalition.

Japan To End Support Of Coalition in Afghanistan

Japanese warships were ordered home from the Indian Ocean Thursday after opposition lawmakers refused to support U.S. led forces in Afghanistan. The move is not expected to have a major impact on American operations but the White House said it would like Japan to reconsider. The pullback was an embarrassment for Japan's new Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, a strong advocate of the six year mission who vowed to pass legislation that would give Japan at least a limited role in fighting terrorism in the region. Americas top ally in Asia. Japan has refueled coalition warships since 2001. But opposition parties effectively scuttled the mission by raising concerns in parliament that it was too broad and possibly violated Japan's constitution.

Levy Admits Embellishing Military Record

Camden, N.J - The former mayor of Atlantic City pleaded guilty Thursday to lying to enhance his veterans benefits, a crime that played a role in his bizarre three - week disappearance earlier this fall. Making his first public appearance since leaving office Oct. 10, Robert Levy admitted to falsely claiming to have been awarded two military medals and embellishing his military in order to receive more money from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.Levy admitted fabricating stories that as a soldier in Vietnam, he has been left in the jungle for weeks along with South Vietnamese troops he was working with to fend for himself. He also claimed to have made a number of parachute jumps when he did not. As a federal judge read the accusations, Levy said yes your honor but nothing else. Levy was elected in 2005 to preside over a city where the political corruption is almost as famous as the casinos. Four of the last nine mayors have been charged with taking bribes three men who were on the city council last year are now in prison in another bribery case. Levy disappeared from city life in late September before resurfacing to resign. He cited ill health and the federal investigation into his war record as his reason for leaving. The Press of Atlantic City reported last fall that the Vietnam Veterans claims that he was a member of the Green Berets were untrue. He apologized, but federal authorities have been looking into whether Levy made that claim to increase his veteran benefit payments. During his absence from city hall, Levy spent time in a substance abuses and mental health treatment abuse and mental health treatment center in northern New Jersey. Jacobs described the mayors time there as a detox situation.

Veterans Day Ceremony

On Sunday November 11, at 11:00 a.m. the City Of Monterey Park and American Legion Post 397 will hold its annual Veterans Day ceremony in front of Monterey Park City Hall. The event will include the presentation of a wreath at the Cities War Memorial, as well as patriotic music and speeches by local elected officials. For more information, please call 626-571 or 626-307-2541.

An Insult To Officers

Your cover photo on the Oct. 8 issue is of a nature and quality that belongs on the National Enquirer, not the Navy Times. The photo of an " Officer " turning away and hiding his face, coupled with the headlines make a completely disgusting presentation. It is a blatant attempt at sensationalism and an insult to the officer corps. Tell the whole, hard story, but do it with professionalism and honor. If you can't, let me know and I will save the price of my subscription. - LT. CMDR. Scott C. Stoman ( RET. )- Ridgecrest, Calif.

Respect The Greens

I was very excited to see the new uniform concepts. Ive seen " old salts " get damn near misty eyed when speaking of the dress khaki, and it is a sharp looking uniform, to be sure. But if the Navy wants to make a commitment to tradition, it should save the aviation greens. I waited for 20 years to wear them, and when I made chief, that's what I did. It is , without a doubt, one of the sharpest looking uniforms out there, but the fact that they are treated essentially the same as utilities, due to being called a " working uniform " I'm sure had a lot to do with chiefs and officers in aviation commands not wearing them. So if you want to go " throw back " how about making some changes to the wearing of the aviation greens and keep them from going the way of beards and tattoos? - ATC (AW/NAC)Mark Mills (RET.)

Serve All Faiths Equally

The Rev. ( Lt. Cmdr. ) Ronald Stake rightly pointed out that the new rule by th e Roman Catholic Archdiocese for the Military Services limits the access that observant Roman Catholic service members have to communion. He goes on to say " Central Command requires each unit,afloat and on shore, to visited by both a Protestant and Roman Catholic chaplain at least once every two weeks so that service members will not be deprived of sacramental privileges. On the surface, this sounds great. we want to facilitate for the free exercise of religion and encourage our people to pursue spiritual fitness. Yet his words betray a larger issue. There are more than 100 Protestant communities represented in the Navy. many practice close communion that is, they can only celebrate communion with authorized clergy from their faith tradition. for example, sending a Methodist chaplain to a Missouri Synod Lutheran sailor does not satisfy his sacramental needs. Protestants have to settle for whatever chaplain comes their way on the two week rotation. That chaplain could be Mormon, Seventh-Day Adventist, Southern Baptist or a host of others. Protestant is not a denomination. Why should the policy favor the Roman Catholic tradition by ensuring that every Roman Catholic sailor can attend Mass every two weeks? To be fair, the policy should make the same provisions for all personnel.- Reserve Cmdr. John P. Perry - Orlando, Fla. -

Some Points On Porrn

After reading Navy Times coverage and letters about " adult materials " in military exchanges, I can't help but wonder why are we worried about this? There are so many other things that need to be addressed, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and rehabbing my fellow soldiers, sailors and Marines coming home from war. Lt. Wes Modder is wrong. Porn doesn't destroy families. Pornography in a relationship means one of two things: You and your spouse enjoy watching it together, or there is something missing in the relationship that the porn replaces. If a spouse were overseas, what would be the better scenario: Him or her looking at a dirty magazine or having an affair? Relationships, just like any good chain o f command, must have exquisite communication between all parties. Porn is a symptom, not the disease. - Sk1 ( SS ) Steve Loup - Silverdale, Wash.

Anticipating Tradition

I'm still in the Navy Delayed Entry Program, but it saddens me that when i make chief I like to be optimistic I will not get to experience the bonding and camaraderie that accompanies such activities. I am a a Freemason, and I understand the importance of initiation ceremonies. There is a difference between being initiated into an organization and hazing. Sure when I was initiated into the lodge, I wondered what the heck just happened, but the more I learned what everything meant and the significance of even the smallest detail, it all came together. I came out a better person than when I went in. An initiation is never meant to trifle with emotions, but as Chief Warrant Officer 3 Bill Worley wrote, it's all about teaching important lessons, building character and humbling when necessary. Despite being the young age of 24, I think it is sad that my peers are losing sight of the importance of rites of passage. I just hope when my time comes, there are still shell back initiations and such. - Bryan Hancock - Denison Texas -

Washington D.C.

About 1 in 8 veterans under age 65 is uninsured, a finding that contradicts a common assumption that all vets qualify for free health care through the Veterans Affairs Department, researchers found. The researchers at Harvard Medical School projected that about 1.8 million veterans overall lack health coverage. That's an increase of 290.000 since 2000. The researchers said most uninsured veterans were in the class and were ineligible for VA care because of their income. Still others cannot afford their co payments, or lack VA facilities in their community.

Iraq

3 troops killed by roadside bomb in Iraq - Three American soldiers were killed Tuesday southeast of Baghdad when their patrol struck a roadside bomb, the U.S. military said. Thrir names were not immediately released. The deaths brought to 3,842 the number of U.S. military personal killed in Iraq since the U.S. led invasion in March 2003.

Somalia

A U.S. Navy destroyer helped sailors who retook control of their North Korean flagged vessel from pirates off Somalia, the American military said. A helicopter flew from the James E. Williams to investigate a phone tip and demanded by bridge to bridge radio that the pirates give up their weapons the military said in a statement.The crew of the Dai Hong Dan then overwhelmed the hijackers, leaving two pirates dead, according to preliminary reports, and five captured, the military said. Three seriously injured crew members were brought aboard the Williams, the statement said. The pirates remained on the Dai Hong Dan, which was returning to the port of Mogadishu.

Families

Believing In Tomorrow - Whats Up: The Believe in Tomorrow Foundation provides free retreat houses for families of children being treated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC. and at Portsmouth Naval Hospital, Va. Have stayed free at retreat houses in Ocean City, Md. and on Wisp Mountain in the Allegheny Mountains near Mchenry, Md.Two houses in Baltimore serve families of children receiving care at the Johns Hopkins Childrens Center.

Defending Old Ironsides

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Earl Hankins wondered whether it would be worth the savings in money and sailors billets for the Navy to turn over the USS Constitution to the city of Boston to run as a museum. Both tell the public about the Navy. The Constitution brings to life more than 200 years of history, bravery, sacrifice and victory. The Blue Angels exemplify the Navy of today and Navy of the future. The service of both is essential to maintaining public pride, interest and perhaps service in the Navy. I do not know what criteria are used in assigning personal to "Old Ironsides" I understand the Blue Angels take only the highest motivated, most qualified individuals. Orders to either command should be a reward for stellar past performance. Those receiving orders to either should not only meet high expectations, but also should want or even covet such duty.

Editorials

Reclaim Congress Trust - The Navy has an image problem on Capitol Hill at a very dangerous time. In the midst of a land war in which its chief contributions are individual augmentees, the Navy is losing its battle for trust among the lawmakers who pay the bills. Late last month, the Navy responded to questions from Rep. Roscoe Bartlett, R-MD, regarding the services plan to "neck down" its helicopter force to two models the MH-60R and MH-60S. Bartlett had posed six multi-level questions about wheth er the new helicopters were capable of taking on the Navy's medium and heavy lift missions. The Navy's response took 41/2 months and totaled just five sentences. Barlett called it a non - answer.Then there is Sen. John Mc-Cain, R-Ariz. who accuses the Navy of glossing over the expanding cost of the expanding cost of the Littoral Combat Ship program. How can you justify a cost-plus contract that goes from $160 million to $400 million? How in the world would you justify that to the American people? McCain asked during a Military Times editorial board interview. You think that they have confidence in the way they see that? they don't. McCain was asked how the Navy responds to his questions. The same answer I get when I ask about any other cost over runs he said. They're all justified, all necessary the military asked for these changes and, by golly, we have to pay for them. Bartlett and McCain, and their colleagues on the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, hold the future of Navy programs in their hands. As the Army and Marine Corps continue to grow, and the Navy and Air Force shrink amid questions about their relevance in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, the Navy cannot afford to be arrogant. On the contrary, Navy leaders must carefully and forcefully articulate their message to congressional authorizers and appropriators. The battle for funds today will dictate the force of tomorrow. Brushing off questions, not explaining requirements and casually accepting cost overruns puts that force in jeopardy. The Navy cannot afford to be so cavalier.

Closely Track Reforms

In the wale of the Walter Reed scandal, the Pentagon belatedly has begun a test program to begin overhauling the complex and some say , unfair disability rating and payment system. Injured troops would face one physical exam rather than two. They'd be assigned one disability rating, rather than two - one from the military and another from the VA. And those who are separated would transition to the VA with minimal fuss. The total "system time" faced by injured troops would be cut in half. This is a very good first step. But there is still cause for concern - the White House has issued its own plan for revamping the military and VA disability systems, to include new payment rates and three new disability - related payments, further complicating an already complex system. Even more troubling the White House wants to launch a seven month study of its plan - and is asking Congress for prior approval now so the plan can be put into effect as soon as the study is done. To repeat The White House wants Congress to green - light a plan that doesn't exist, based on a study that hasn't been done. This issue is too important to grant such a blank check. Congress should monitor the Pentagon test and keep pushing forward but with oversight to ensure troops best interests are served.

HOW THE V.A. CAN HELP YOU QUIT SMOKING

Free Smoking Cessation Clinics - Free individual counseling at on site VA clinics (Bakersfield, Lompoc, Los Angeles, Sepulveda and West Los Angeles.) 1. Attend clinic for a specific period of time. 2. Counselors give advice on how to quit. 3. Va provides smoking cessation medication and assistance. On site location - face to face counseling - you can have honest and confidential discussions. - Ask your provider to refer you to the V.A. Smoking Cessation Telephone Coordinator or call 1-800-516-4567 Ext. 2365 -

TV Spots Wanted

Sailors will have the chance to be on national TV Dec. 1 by submitting quick video spots that could air during commercial breaks in the Army - Navy football game. CBS Sports is looking for 10 second segments from Navy commands that show Navy " team spirit " according to a naval administrative message.

For Sale : Hitler's globe

A 91 year old ex - soldier is putting up for auction a singular souvenir that he brought home to Oakland Calif. over 60 years ago Adolf Hitler's globe. John Barsamian's unit arrived at one of Hitlers residences after other U.S. soldiers had stripped it bare except the globe. " literally " the place is all bombed out, and here this globe is sitting there on the desk, Barsasmian said. The globe is expected to attract bids from $15,000.

Cap Returns Sort Of

A little more than three months after comic book pallbearers laid Marvel Comics super hero Captain America to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, Marvel announced Oct. 10 that Cap is coming back in January. Steve Rogers, the scrawny World War 11 era Army reject who ingested the Super Soldier Serum that gave him Caps power, is staying dead, Marvel says, an as yet unnamed character will be fighting bad guys as " Captain America. " Not only does the character get a new, more squared away costume, which includes a military style canteen on his belt, the new Cap will carry a pistol for the first time.

Star Treatment

On the morning of Oct. 1, Marine Gen. Peter Pace spent an hour on the Fort Myer parade ground, listening to President Bush and Defense Secretary Robert Gates pay him tribute as the outgoing chairman of the Joint Chiefs Of Staff and for his 40 years of uniformed service. Then Pace, still wearing his medal bedecked dress uniform, climbed into a car with his family and drove across the Potomac River to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the National Mall. He walked to panel 50W and placed at its base an index card on which he had pinned a set of his silver four star rank insignia. Handwritten on the card were these words " For Guildo Farinaro, USMC - these our yours not mine !! with love and respect your platoon leader Pete Pace. Pace had laid down his rank for the first man killed under his command, back when he was a green rifle platoon leader in Viet Nam. Farinaro, a 19 year old lance corporal, was standing next to Pace when he was felled by a snipers bullet on July 30, 1968, in Quang Nam. Pace kept a photo of Farino on his desk during his years in the Pentagon. In his own remark earlier in the day at Fort Myer, Pace had mentioned Farinaro and three other Marines he lost in Viet Nam. Then he went to the Wall to remember and honor all four. Two panels to the right of the one bearing Farinaros name, he laid down three similar cards each also pinned with his four stars. Photos of the cards snapped by an unknown tourist quickly bounced around the internet, and more than a few friends and admirers sent copies to Paces former spokeswoman, Marine Col. Katie Haddock. She confirmed that the cards were indeed left by Pace. A tribute from one Marine at the end of his career to the men who fought and fell alongside him almost 40 years before. It really touched a lot of people, I think Haddock said.

A Visit From Mcpon

Master Chief Petty OFFICER OF THE Navy Joe Campa (SW/FMF) paid a visit to the Navys next generation of bubbleheads Oct. 15, telling students at the Naval Submarine School in New London, Conn. that he was there to listen to their concerns about their training and the Navy. Many students said they worried about how much computer based training they're required to do. Campa said he supports more traditional classroom time, with students learning from human instructors. With today's advances in technology, we need to ensure there is a balance between computer based and instructor based training Campa said.

Gator Delivered

The NAVY TOOK DELIVERY OF OF THE AMPHIBIOUS TRANSPORT DOCK Mesa Verde Sept. 28, Marine Link maritime news reported, stationing sailors and Marines aboard Oct.1 as the ship sits in the yard in Pascagoula, Miss. The Mesa Verde is the third ship in the troubled LPD 17 class of amphibious ships, but it has so far shown few of the construction problems that plagued its older sister ships, the San Antonio and the New Orleans. The Mesa Verde is scheduled to be commissioned Dec. 15 ij Panama City, Florida. Then sail to its new home port of Norfolk, VA.

United States

Kitty Hawk Museum? - The carrier Kitty Hawk hasn't even left the fleet, but at least one plan is underway to give the ship a home in retirement. County commissioners in New Hanover County, N.C., voted unanimously Oct. 15 to approve a plan to acquire the Kitty Hawk, scheduled for decommissioning in 2008, and remake it in to a museum ship similar to the carriers Intrepid or Yorktown, the Wilmington N,C. Star News reported. A group of local boosters sought the green light to begin the bureaucratic process needed to acquire the Kitty Hawk, which includes setting aside land in the Wilmington area - home to a museum that features the World War 11 era battleship North Carolina and raising an estimated $7 million to tow the Kitty Hawk from the West Coast, where the ship is to be decommissioned. One major challenge, according to the newspaper report, is that the carrier is to big to fit under a bridge in the city, meaning organizers, have to find a site away from the cities downtown.

Malaysia

Friendly Frigate - The frigate Reuben James arrived Oct. 9 in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, for a visit intended to strengthen ties with the Malaysian military. Crew members helped with construction projects such as visits to the Don Bosco, a teen girls school near Mount Linabalu, and Batik Harapan, an all boys special education school. Sailors also participated in a clean up of the Likas River. " Our purpose was not to clean the entire river, but to show that we care about it," said Gunners Mate 3rd Class James Smith. " Picking up trash heightened the environmental awareness of the local people, and many of them came out of their houses to help us.

Recruting Incentive Of The Week

Dance Away The Military Blues - Israeli officials are considering a novel ideal to persuade 18 - year - old men and women to show up for compulsory military service - modern - dance - troops. Agence France Press reports that about one forth of Israeli teenagers don't serve in the military - as - required by law - for a variety of reasons. Willing to try almost anything to get them to show up, the army is weighing the possibility of creating a new occupational specialty of " dancer " for what officials said are " exceptional and talented dancers " who might agree to serve in a troupe so that their professional civilian careers are not put on hold during the two or three years of mandatory service. The report says that many of the most talented teenagers, including some actors and athletes, decide to leave the country rather than serve in the military.

HEALTH CARE

Private Sector Pitches In - Whats Up: Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio and the University of Calif. at Los Angeles have a new program to treat troops injured in combat. In " Operation Mend," UCLA Medical Center staff treat service members and house them at the campus Tiverton House.

Whats Next: Operation Mends first patient, Marine Cpl. Aaron Mankin, will go through a series of facial reconstruction surgeries at UCLA before returning to continue treatment for the burns that cover 25percent of his body. Mankin was injured by a roadside bomb in Iraq two years ago. Costs not covered by the UCLA end of the project have been taken care of by the Katz Family Foundation, including lodging for patients and family members at UCLA. Program directors hope Operation Mend will serve as an example for other partnerships between military hospitals and public institutions.

Sea Mine Menace

Nato mine countermeasure ships began a major effort Oct.17 to clear northern European waters of mines left over from World World 11, eliminating a threat to navigation and commercial fishing off the coast of the continent. French officials said that navies have found and destroyed about 15 percent of the mines laid in the two wars by England,France, Germany and other nations. Nato warships have found some 56 mines so far in 2007, mostly in the Baltic Sea. A mine was discovered in August in the Black Sea port of Sevastopol about 500 yards away from the U.S. destroyer Forrest Sherman, which was in port for a training visit.

Navy Had Recruiting Ads On Gay Site

The Navy, Army ans Air Force unwittingly advertised for recruits on a web site for gays, who are barred from military service if they are open about their sexual orientation. When informed Oct.15 by USA Today that they were advertising on Glee.com, a networking website for gay professionals, recruiters expressed surprise and said they would remove the job listings. This is the first Iv'e heard about it, said Maj. Micheal Baptista, advertising branch chief for the Army National Guard, which will spend $6.5 million on internet recruiting this year. " We did'nt knowingly advertise on that particular website " whick he said does not meet the moral standards of the military. Capt. Jack Hanzlik, spokesman for the chief of navel personnel, said the Navy ordered more than 8,000 ads taken off Glee, which stands for gay, lesbian & Everyone Else. By Oct. 17, most were gone. The ads were placed through Glee's parent company, New York - based Community Connect, as part of an alliance with jobs - listing giant Monster.com.

2 Seabees Missing After Kayaking

Coast Guard and Navy rescuers were searching Oct. 19 for 2 Seabees last seem Oct. 17 kayaking off San Nicolas Island, Calif. The sailors kayaks were found around 6P.M. Oct. 18, tied together and found floating about 35 miles south east of the island, Coast Guard Lt. J. G. Andrew Munoz said. Builder 2nd Class Christopher Victor And and Equipment Operator 2nd Class Justin Johnson were reported missing by two friends who went kayaking with them around the island, said Teri Reid, a spokeswoman for Naval Base Ventura County. The men both from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 1 in Gulfport, Miss. had been stationed at San Nicolas Island for two weeks on a construction project, Reid Said.

Sailor Found Dead In San Diego Bay

The Navy is investigating the death of a sailor whose body was found floating in San Diego Bay on Oct. 12 between Piers 1 and 2, officials said. Officials identified the sailor as Machinist's Mate Fireman Justin J. Williams of Aurora, Colo. Williams 23, was assigned to the dock landing ship Dubuque, according to Cmdr. Jane Campbell, a Naval Surface Forces spokeswoman in Coronado, Calif.

JSC CHAIRMAN CROWE DIES

Adm. William J. Crowe, a Naval Officer whose long career included stints as chairman of the joint Chiefs of Staff and U.S.ambassador to England died Oct. 18. He was 82. Crowe died of cardiac arrest at National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. Navy Memorial CEO retired Rear Adm. Rick Buchanan said. He was an outstanding man, a dedicated Naval Officer, a wonderful American, a scholar and a teacher. He will be missed , Buchanan said. Crowe was chairman of the Navy Memorial's board. A 1947 Naval Academy graduate and a submariner, Srowe served as an assistant to President Eisenhower's Naval Aide. In 1980, he was named commander in chief of allied forces in Southern Europe and then in 1983 as commander in chief of U.S. Pacific Command. President Reagan tapped him to be chairman of the Joint Chiefs Of Staff in 1985, a position in which he served until 1989. During his tenure Congress passed the Goldwater - Nichols Act of 1986, a sweeping measure that unified many aspects of a then - disconnected military and made Crowe the senior - most U.S. military officer. Crowe is survived by his wife Shirley Grinel, and their three children. A funeral has tentively been scheduled for Oct. 31 at the Naval Academy.

Corpsman Dies In Motorcycle Crash

The Marine Corps on Oct. 16 identified the service member who earlier died in a motorcycle crash north of San Diego as Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Ismael Rubiolopez. Rubiolopez, 36 of Johnstown, Colo. was a field medical technician with 1 Marine Expeditionary Forces Headquarters Group at Camp Pendleton, Calif. where he was assigned to the Training Experimentation Group. He was riding a 2007 Suzuki motorcycle when it ran into a Cadillac sport utility vehicle Oct. 13, according to the San Diego County medical examiner's office. The accident happened in Pauma Valley, about 50 miles north of San Diego. Rubiolopez enlisted in the Navy in 2002, according to Camp Pendleton.

Comfort Home Comming

After four months, 11,680 natical miles, 12 countries, 98000 patients and 24,242 pairs of eyeglasses, the hospital ship Comfort dropped anchor in its home port of Baltimore on Oct. 19 and concluded the Navy's most recent foray as an international humanitarian service. You've truly invested in our future in the Western hemisphere, Adm. Jonathan Greenert, head of Fleet Forces Command, told crew members when the ship stopped Oct. 15 in Naval Station Norfolk, Va. What you've done is astounding, touching directly about 400,000 people and probably influencing millions and millions of others.

Persian Gulf

22nd MEU Boards Kearsarge ESG - It's back to sea for the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit. After wrapping up about a month's stay at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, members of the Camp Lejeune, N.C. based MEU loaded up and returned to the ships of the Kearsarge Expeditionary Strike Group, according to a MEU news release. The MEU trained in the Kuwaiti desert, refining its desert combat skills. Many of the exercises were geared toward combat operations, countering improvised explosive devices, medical support training, MEU commander Col. Doug Stilwell said in a statement. The unit is continuing its scheduled deployment in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility aboard the Norfolk, VA. based ships, including the amphibious assault ship Kearsage, amphibious transport dock Ponce and dock landing ship Gunston Hall. The MEU is almost halfway through its routine six - month deployment.

North Carolina

Vmu - 2 Returns To Cherry Point - More than 120 Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. based leather necks returned from Iraq on Oct. 14 Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 2 was welcomed home from a 7 month deployment, an air station spokesman said. This was the squadrons fifth deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Dog Parks To Open At North Carolina Bases

Marine Corps installations North Carolina are going to the dogs. Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Stations New River and Cherry Point are getting their first dog parks, called Woof Spots, this month. Atlantic Marine Corps Communities, the private company that oversees base housing at the installations, opened Cherry Point's first park Oct. 19; two other parks opened at the station the same day. A grand opening was to be held at Camp Lejeune on Oct. 26, followed by the opening of New River's dog park.

1 /3 Returns From Iraq Deployment

Leathernecks with 1st. Battalion, 3rd Marines, returned to Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, on Oct. 16 following a seven month deployment to Iraq. The Roughly 400 Marines and sailors deployed to Anbar province in March.

Personal Finance

Easing Rules To End Contracts - Whats Up: Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D - Calif. wants to expand the rights of service members to get out of service contracts. A bill she recently introduced would allow any telecommunications contract - phone, cable or internet service to be canceled without penalty if a service member has to make a permanent change - of - station move or deploy.

Pay And Benefits

Still Seeking G.I. Bill Tweaks - Whats Up: Eligibility rules for reservists to qualify for more generous active - duty G.I. Bill education benefits would be relaxed under a bill introduced by Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D - Minn. Under her proposal, any reservist called up for at least 20 consecutive months who spends a year or longer in a combat zone would qualify for the active - duty benefits. Under current rules, reservists must be mobilized for 730 consecutive days, which excludes just about all reservists because the normal maximun deployment is 15 months. Even members of a guard unit from Klobuchar's home state that just pulled a 16 month tour in Iraq are ineligible.

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