Courage Newsletter Jan 2014

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Inaugural Issue of "Courage"

The Inaugural Issue of “Courage,” Lt. Gen. Robert Brown’s quarterly newsletter that is designed to keep you informed and up-to-date on what’s happening in America’s Corps.

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Noteworthies with a Local Link

The chief of staff, Army announced today the following officer assignments:

Maj. Gen. Jeffrey S. Buchanan, deputy commanding general, I Corps and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., to commanding general, U.S. Army Military District of Washington/commander, Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region, Washington, D.C.

Maj. Gen. Kenneth R. Dahl, deputy commanding general-support, U.S. Forces-Afghanistan, Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan, to deputy commanding general, I Corps and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

Awards for I Corps NCO and Soldier of Year

Volunteer Carlene Joseph is currently seeking gifts and gift cards for the I Corps NCO and Soldier of the Year awards.

If any business is interested in donating two gifts, please email her directly.  A good example for a gift would be an overnight stay at a hotel, a gift card to purchase items, or simply a gift for the two soldiers.

She will be presenting the items to the two soldiers during the Lacey Chamber, the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, the Lakewood Chamber, and the Puyallup Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee meetings. The gifts will be presented in June.  

Noteworthies with a Local Link

Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta announced today that the President has made the following nominations:

Army Maj. Gen. Robert B. Brown for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general and for assignment as commanding general, I Corps and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.  Brown is currently serving as commanding general, U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence and Fort Benning, Fort Benning, Ga.

IJC Commander to Brief Live From Afghanistan

Army Lt. Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, commander, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command and deputy commander, U.S. Forces -- Afghanistan, will brief the media live from Afghanistan at 10:30 a.m. EDT, Oct. 27, in the Pentagon Briefing Room (2E973) to provide an update on current operations. Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the River Entrance only.  Plan to arrive no later than 45 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification.  Please call 703-697-5131 for escort into the building.

On the Web: http://www.defense.gov/Advisories/

 Media Contact: +1 (703) 697-5131/697-5132
 Public Contact: http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx or +1 (703) 428-0711 +1 

Noteworthies With a Local Link

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has nominated Army Maj. Gen. Curtis M. Scaparrotti, for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general and assignment as commanding general, I Corps and Fort Lewis, Fort Lewis, Wash. Scaparrotti most recently served as commanding general, 82d Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Evergreen Fleet Cruise 2010

The annual - some would say even prehistoric - Evergreen Fleet Cruise met with great success yesterday.

Over 250 Cruisers - military guests, Chamber hosts and Tacoma Yacht Club skippers/First Mates joined into a great mixer with plenty of good food (by Gallucci's Catering) and camaraderie. In addition to these presenting hosts, special recognition is deserved for the Joint Base Financial Alliance of Harborstone Credit Union and America's Credit Union. And, the Cruisers were pleased with the participation of the U.S. Navy's Old Man IV.

Enjoy these few pictures of a great event filled with and for great people!

I Corps in Operation Iraqi Freedom

I Corps in Operation Iraqi Freedom was the subject of Col. Jim Danna, I Corps Ops Officer to the Chamber's Military Affairs Forum earlier this week.

Danna began his presentation by remarking that we (the audience) didn't want to hear a bunch of soldier's war stories.  Quickly reposted was:  "Yes, we do!"  However, he didn't.

Instead, Danna have the folks in attendance a comprehensive socio-political overview of the current situation in Iraq (from where he has just recently returned), tempered with his experience having completed his fourth tour! 

It would be fair to say, as he did, that Danna is an optimist as to the chances that Iraqi citizens and soldiers have to make their country a democracy.  But, it is also my opinion that he is a realist, recognizing the significant challenges still before these Iraqi patriots. 

The litany of obstances convey the cultural and historical baggage they carry.  But, as often is the case, those closest to the work don't see the incremental improvements.  That may be true for the Iraqis, and it is certainly true for many Americans.

If you wish to join the Chamber's Military Affairs Committee, your membership and participation will be welcome.

Thank you for your service, Col. Danna.

I Corps in Operation Iraqi Freedom

MILITARY AFFAIRS FORUM
Military Affairs Committee of the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber

I Corps in Operation Iraqi Freedom
Event Speaker: Col. Jim Danna, I Corps Ops Officer

I Corps recently returned from Iraq where Lt. Gen. Charles H. Jacoby, Jr. served as the commanding general of Multi-National Corps-Iraq responsible for all ground forces in Operation Iraqi Freedom. COL Jim Danna, I Corps Operations Officer will make a short presentation on I Corps return to a combat theater -- its first since the Korean War. He'll cover the strategy the Corps used to ensure the successful implementation of the Iraq-U.S. Security Agreement which moved U.S. Forces out of Iraqi cities and began the reduction of forces in accordance with President Obama's objectives. After his presentation, COL Danna will answer your questions about Iraq and I Corps current activities at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Date & Time: WEDNESDAY, June 9, 7:30 – 9:00 a.m.
Place: La Quinta Inn, 1425 E. 27th St., Tacoma 98421
Price: $13.00 pre-paid on or before June 7
$15.00 pre-paid after June 7
$20.00 walk-ins/at the door
Information: Monique Shields, (253) 627.2175

RSVP: DUE 12 noon, June 7 (Monday)
Register: Online Link

Noteworthies With a Local Link

The Chief of Staff, Army announced today the following assignment:

Brig. Gen. Peter C. Bayer Jr., chief of staff, I Corps, Fort Lewis, Wash., to director of strategy, plans and policy, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7, U.S. Army, Washington, D.C.

Garrison Tells It Jointly

Col. Brittain (l) and Col. Weldon (r)

The Mililtary Affairs Committee's monthly Forum featured Joint Base Lewis-McChord Garrison Commander Col. Tommy Brittain (Army) and Deputy Commander Col. Kenny Weldon (Air Force) reporting on the implementation of the joint base operations.

Among the points of information, they announced a new website for Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Complementing this focus on joint basing was Jack Murphy, Associate with Booz, Allen, Hamilton, the local representative for the national effort to implement the 12 joint bases.

I Corps Takes Up Duties

Our I Corps at work and in the spotlight. Please enjoy the photos provided by Frank A. Grippe, Multi-National Corps-Iraq, CSM.