Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Noteworthies With a Local Link
Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command Navy Adm. Eric Olson will deliver remarks and answer questions Thur., Apr. 1 at 9 a.m. EDT regarding "USSOCOM: Function and Focus" at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, CSIS, 1800 K Street, Washington, D.C. Credentialed members of the press who would like to attend must RSVP.
Scott Citizen-Soldier Nominations Sought
Our nation continues its reliance on the citizen-soldiers for the many and diverse missions in support of our defense. These citizens perform a dual role as defenders and civilian contributors to our community. They are citizens of our community and soldiers of our nation.
The Chamber wishes to recognize, with the 29th annual presentation, the Howard O. Scott Citizen-Soldier of the Year. Your nominee is desired. Nominees may currently be called to active duty.
Guidelines are:
Selection of the honoree will be made by the Military Affairs Committee of the Chamber. Presentation of the Award will be at the May 4, 2010 meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Tacoma, 11:45 a.m. at the Pacific Grill Events Center, 1530 Pacific Ave., Tacoma 98402. You will be informed of the ceremonies if you submit a nomination and give us your contact info.
Submit nominees to the Chamber. Include: Nominee’s name, unit and contact info as well as the reasons for nomination. The deadline for submitting nominees is April 23, 2010. Submit to Gary Brackett.
The Chamber wishes to recognize, with the 29th annual presentation, the Howard O. Scott Citizen-Soldier of the Year. Your nominee is desired. Nominees may currently be called to active duty.
Guidelines are:
- A Reservist or National Guard member, any service;
- A resident of Tacoma or Pierce County;
- Professional in both military and civilian occupations;
- An exemplary volunteer in the community.
- Additional consideration will be given if the nominee is an employee of a Chamber member or owns a business that is a Chamber member.
Selection of the honoree will be made by the Military Affairs Committee of the Chamber. Presentation of the Award will be at the May 4, 2010 meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Tacoma, 11:45 a.m. at the Pacific Grill Events Center, 1530 Pacific Ave., Tacoma 98402. You will be informed of the ceremonies if you submit a nomination and give us your contact info.
Submit nominees to the Chamber. Include: Nominee’s name, unit and contact info as well as the reasons for nomination. The deadline for submitting nominees is April 23, 2010. Submit to Gary Brackett.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
National TeleHealth & Tech Center Est. at JBLM
The Department of the Army announced today the planned activation of the National Center for Telehealth and Technology at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.
This stationing action represents an increase of eight military and 67 civilian authorizations and is expected to be completed in April 2010.
The mission of the National Center for Telehealth and Technology is to foster, develop, research, and deploy technology solutions for psychological health and traumatic brain injury and deliver relevant, evidence-based applications for our warriors, veterans, and their families.
This force structure action complies with the recommendations of the President's Commission on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors (Dole/Shalala Report) and the assistant secretary of defense (health affairs) memorandum, Defense Center of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury.
Point of contact for this notification is Lt. Col. Lee M. Packnett, 703-614-2487, Office of the Chief of Public Affairs, Office of the Secretary of the Army.
This stationing action represents an increase of eight military and 67 civilian authorizations and is expected to be completed in April 2010.
The mission of the National Center for Telehealth and Technology is to foster, develop, research, and deploy technology solutions for psychological health and traumatic brain injury and deliver relevant, evidence-based applications for our warriors, veterans, and their families.
This force structure action complies with the recommendations of the President's Commission on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors (Dole/Shalala Report) and the assistant secretary of defense (health affairs) memorandum, Defense Center of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury.
Point of contact for this notification is Lt. Col. Lee M. Packnett, 703-614-2487, Office of the Chief of Public Affairs, Office of the Secretary of the Army.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Cong. Smith Confirmed as Speaker
MILITARY AFFAIRS FORUM
Event Speaker: Congressman Adam Smith
Congressman Smith was appointed (1/21/10) as the new Chairman of the House Armed Services Sub- committee on Air and Land Forces.
The Air and Land Forces Subcommittee exercises oversight and legislative jurisdiction over:
Date & Time: MONDAY, April 19, 7:30 – 9:00 a.m.
Place: La Quinta Inn, 1425 E. 27th St., Tacoma 98421
Price:
RSVP: DUE 12 noon, April 14 (Wednesday)
Register: Online Link
ANNOUNCEMENTS
VOB Award Announced
A new award category honoring “veteran-owned businesses” has been added to the Chamber’s annual Spotlight! On Business Awards. This annual event, held in June, showcases the accomplishments and civic contributions Pierce County businesses make to our community. Nominations may be submitted to the Chamber year ‘round. For more information, contact Judy Singley at the Chamber, 253.627.2175.
Scott Citizen-Soldier of the Year Nominations
The Chamber wishes to recognize, with the 29th annual presentation, the Howard O. Scott Citizen-Soldier of the Year. Criteria: A Reservist or National Guard member, any service; A resident of Tacoma or Pierce County; Professional in both military and civilian occupations; An exemplary volunteer in the community; Additional consideration will be given if the nominee is an employee of a Chamber member or owns a business that is a Chamber member. Selection of the honoree will be made by the Military Affairs Committee of the Chamber. Presentation of the Award will be at the May 4, 2010 meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Tacoma. For info contact Gary Brackett or 253-627-2175.
Washington Innovation Summit 2010
This event for the state's technology industry looks at how the national defense agenda is driving research requirements and funding opportunities. A featured panel presents a special look at the home front with the latest in defense/military work by local companies and research. There is a special 5%discount for military and Tacoma attendees.
2010 Calendar: as of Jan. 11, 2010
Event Speaker: Congressman Adam Smith
Congressman Smith was appointed (1/21/10) as the new Chairman of the House Armed Services Sub- committee on Air and Land Forces.
The Air and Land Forces Subcommittee exercises oversight and legislative jurisdiction over:
- United States Army
- United States Air Force
- deep strike bombers
- National Guard
- Army and Air Force reserve modernization
- ammunition programs
Date & Time: MONDAY, April 19, 7:30 – 9:00 a.m.
Place: La Quinta Inn, 1425 E. 27th St., Tacoma 98421
Price:
- $13.00 pre-paid on or before April 14
- $15.00 pre-paid after April 14 to April 16
- $20.00 walk-ins/at the door
RSVP: DUE 12 noon, April 14 (Wednesday)
Register: Online Link
ANNOUNCEMENTS
VOB Award Announced
A new award category honoring “veteran-owned businesses” has been added to the Chamber’s annual Spotlight! On Business Awards. This annual event, held in June, showcases the accomplishments and civic contributions Pierce County businesses make to our community. Nominations may be submitted to the Chamber year ‘round. For more information, contact Judy Singley at the Chamber, 253.627.2175.
Scott Citizen-Soldier of the Year Nominations
The Chamber wishes to recognize, with the 29th annual presentation, the Howard O. Scott Citizen-Soldier of the Year. Criteria: A Reservist or National Guard member, any service; A resident of Tacoma or Pierce County; Professional in both military and civilian occupations; An exemplary volunteer in the community; Additional consideration will be given if the nominee is an employee of a Chamber member or owns a business that is a Chamber member. Selection of the honoree will be made by the Military Affairs Committee of the Chamber. Presentation of the Award will be at the May 4, 2010 meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Tacoma. For info contact Gary Brackett or 253-627-2175.
Washington Innovation Summit 2010
This event for the state's technology industry looks at how the national defense agenda is driving research requirements and funding opportunities. A featured panel presents a special look at the home front with the latest in defense/military work by local companies and research. There is a special 5%discount for military and Tacoma attendees.
2010 Calendar: as of Jan. 11, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
Washington's Innovation Summit 2010
Special Military Discount for the annual Washington Innovation Summit being held in Tacoma for the first time:
Click on image for larger view.
Chamber Supports Boeing's Bid for KC-X
Click on image for larger view
click on image for larger view
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Helping Vet-Owned Business Restart After Deployments
The bill, as passed: Mitigates economic damage to veteran-owned businesses as a result of military service.
Requires the department of veterans affairs to:
(1) Develop a procedure for certifying veteran-owned businesses and maintain a list of those businesses on the department's public web site;
(2) Adopt rules necessary to implement the act; and
(3) Collaborate with and assist agencies in implementing outreach to veteran-owned businesses.
Requires state agencies to:
(1) Perform outreach to veteran-owned businesses in collaboration with the department of veterans affairs to increase opportunities for veteran-owned businesses to sell goods and services to the state; and
(2) Work to match agency procurement records with the department's database of certified veteran-owned businesses to establish how many procurement contracts are being awarded to those businesses.
Encourages state agencies to award three percent of all procurement contracts that are exempt from certain competitive bidding requirements to veteran-owned businesses certified by the department of veteran affairs.
Requires the department of general administration to identify in its vendor registry all vendors that are veteran-owned businesses as certified by the department of veterans affairs.
The bill, originating with Sen. Derek Kilmer attracted considerable co-sponsors in the Senate and legislative support in the House. The Chamber testified in both the State's Senate and House in favor of the bill as an advocacy outreach for the veteran-owned businesses of the state.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Noteworthies With a Local Link
Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has nominated Army Lt. Gen. Charles H. Jacoby Jr. for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general and assignment as director, Strategic Plans and Policy, J-5; Senior Member, U.S. Delegation to the U.N. Military Staff Committee, Washington, D.C. Jacoby is currently serving as the commanding general, I Corps and Fort Lewis/deputy commander for Operations, U.S. Forces-Iraq, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Iraq.
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.
Where Are You?
Heres' the guideline about how deployed soldiers, airmen, sailors and Marines will be counted for the 2010 Census:
Deployed Military with TDY Orders and Residency:
The Census Bureau will obtain counts of U.S. military and federal civilian employees stationed overseas,and their dependents living with them, that can be allocated to a home state for the purpose of reapportioning seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. Overseas military personnel, both stationed and deployed, will be included.
The Defense Manpower Data Center has informed Census that all military personnel identified to be deployed by definition are on temporary duty (TDY) for their service overseas.
There is no length of stay requirement included in the 2010 census for U.S. military personnel deployed outside the U.S. at the time of the census. If they are deployed on April 1, 2010, they will be counted as part of the U.S. overseas population using administrative records from the Department of Defense. The military person deployed overseas at the time of the census should not be included on the standard census questionnaire.
Census counts will be used for the allocation of Congressional seats. Washington is on the cusp of gaining a 10th Congressional seat and the count or not of military personnel may determine the outcome. Also, our local communities will be allocated federal dollars from multiple appropriations based on Census count. A lower count for whatever reason, will mean a small allocation.
Deployed Military with TDY Orders and Residency:
The Census Bureau will obtain counts of U.S. military and federal civilian employees stationed overseas,and their dependents living with them, that can be allocated to a home state for the purpose of reapportioning seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. Overseas military personnel, both stationed and deployed, will be included.
The Defense Manpower Data Center has informed Census that all military personnel identified to be deployed by definition are on temporary duty (TDY) for their service overseas.
There is no length of stay requirement included in the 2010 census for U.S. military personnel deployed outside the U.S. at the time of the census. If they are deployed on April 1, 2010, they will be counted as part of the U.S. overseas population using administrative records from the Department of Defense. The military person deployed overseas at the time of the census should not be included on the standard census questionnaire.
Census counts will be used for the allocation of Congressional seats. Washington is on the cusp of gaining a 10th Congressional seat and the count or not of military personnel may determine the outcome. Also, our local communities will be allocated federal dollars from multiple appropriations based on Census count. A lower count for whatever reason, will mean a small allocation.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Boeing's Offer for KC-X
Want to see today's press release from The Boeing Company regarding the NewGen Tanker offer to the US Air Force? You can stay up to date on news related to the NewGen Tanker by visiting here. Feel free to share this information.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Many Military-Friendly Schools Here
G.I. Jobs announced the launch of its new Web site. The site, loaded with interactive tools and search functionality, helps military veterans find the schools that best meet their educational needs.
The 1,000 schools on the new Web site are those selected to G.I. Jobs “Military Friendly Schools” list in August. They represent the top 15 percent most “military friendly” of the nation’s 7,000 schools.
Here are Washington State’s (and Pierce County’s) rated Military Friendly (Higher-Ed) Schools:
Argosy University Seattle
Bellevue College
Cascadia Community College
Central Washington University
City University of Seattle
Clover Park Technical College
Eastern Washington University
Edmonds Community College
Green River Community College
Heritage University
Lake Washington Technical College
North Seattle Community College
Northwest Aviation College
Olympic College
Pacific Lutheran University
Pierce College at Fort Steilacoom
Pierce College Military Program
Saint Martin's University
Skagit Valley College
South Puget Sound Community College
Spokane Falls Community College
Tacoma Community College
The Art Institute of Seattle
Washington State University
Washington State University, Graduate School
Whatcom Community College
The Military Friendly Schools list is determined through research by the G.I. Jobs Military Friendly Schools team. This research includes government agencies and private entities which administer education benefits and a comprehensive survey administered by G.I. Jobs. A Military Friendly Schools Academic Advisory Panel, consisting of five higher education administrators, helps determine survey questions and weightings.
Research findings are compiled and weighted according to the following categories to determine a final score:
• 45% for Effort 1, defined as certifications, programs and policies, which measures a school’s non-financial efforts to recruit and retain military and veteran students. This category includes things like VA-approval to accept the GI Bill, SOC membership, academic credit for CLEP and ACE, flexible learning programs and much more.
• 35% for Effort 2, defined as financial commitment, which measures a school’s financial efforts to recruit and retain military and veteran students. This category includes things like Yellow Ribbon program membership, tuition benefits and % of overall recruitment budget allocated to recruiting military students.
• 15% for a school’s results, or success, in recruiting military and veteran students. This category includes the number and % of military and veteran students enrolled.
• 5% allocated to other categories including a school’s academic accreditations.
As always with ratings or rankings, the reader should be aware that his/her priorities are not necessarily the same as those of the sponsor.
G.I. Jobs annually rates the nation’s “Military Friendly Employers,” “Military Friendly Franchises” and “Military Spouse Friendly Employers.”
The 1,000 schools on the new Web site are those selected to G.I. Jobs “Military Friendly Schools” list in August. They represent the top 15 percent most “military friendly” of the nation’s 7,000 schools.
Here are Washington State’s (and Pierce County’s) rated Military Friendly (Higher-Ed) Schools:
Argosy University Seattle
Bellevue College
Cascadia Community College
Central Washington University
City University of Seattle
Clover Park Technical College
Eastern Washington University
Edmonds Community College
Green River Community College
Heritage University
Lake Washington Technical College
North Seattle Community College
Northwest Aviation College
Olympic College
Pacific Lutheran University
Pierce College at Fort Steilacoom
Pierce College Military Program
Saint Martin's University
Skagit Valley College
South Puget Sound Community College
Spokane Falls Community College
Tacoma Community College
The Art Institute of Seattle
Washington State University
Washington State University, Graduate School
Whatcom Community College
The Military Friendly Schools list is determined through research by the G.I. Jobs Military Friendly Schools team. This research includes government agencies and private entities which administer education benefits and a comprehensive survey administered by G.I. Jobs. A Military Friendly Schools Academic Advisory Panel, consisting of five higher education administrators, helps determine survey questions and weightings.
Research findings are compiled and weighted according to the following categories to determine a final score:
• 45% for Effort 1, defined as certifications, programs and policies, which measures a school’s non-financial efforts to recruit and retain military and veteran students. This category includes things like VA-approval to accept the GI Bill, SOC membership, academic credit for CLEP and ACE, flexible learning programs and much more.
• 35% for Effort 2, defined as financial commitment, which measures a school’s financial efforts to recruit and retain military and veteran students. This category includes things like Yellow Ribbon program membership, tuition benefits and % of overall recruitment budget allocated to recruiting military students.
• 15% for a school’s results, or success, in recruiting military and veteran students. This category includes the number and % of military and veteran students enrolled.
• 5% allocated to other categories including a school’s academic accreditations.
As always with ratings or rankings, the reader should be aware that his/her priorities are not necessarily the same as those of the sponsor.
G.I. Jobs annually rates the nation’s “Military Friendly Employers,” “Military Friendly Franchises” and “Military Spouse Friendly Employers.”
Monday, March 1, 2010
Focus on Children
Sesame Street Workshop is producing a new primetime television special, When Families Grieve featuring Katie Couric and the Sesame Street Muppets. This PBS special will air on April 14th at 8:00 PM EST.
This hour-long special will present families’ personal stories about coping with the death of a parent, as well as strategies that have helped these families move forward. Televised in conjunction with the Month of the Military Child & Month of the Young Child, it will be part of a multimedia, bi-lingual (English and Spanish) outreach kit for national distribution immediately following the April airdate.
There will be two resource kits available for distribution, one kit will be military specific and the other kit will be for the general public. Military OneSource (MOS) will only distribute the military kit. The resource kit will include the DVD from the taping of the PBS special, a caregiver guide and a story book. The resource kit will be available through MOS beginning 14 April. The resource kit for the general public will be available for distribution through other sources.
When Families Grieve is a continuation of Sesame Workshop’s award-winning Talk, Listen, Connect initiative that first launched in July 2006 providing resources and emotional support to military families with young children coping with the challenging transitions in their lives, such as deployments and when a parent comes home changed due to combat-related injury.
This hour-long special will present families’ personal stories about coping with the death of a parent, as well as strategies that have helped these families move forward. Televised in conjunction with the Month of the Military Child & Month of the Young Child, it will be part of a multimedia, bi-lingual (English and Spanish) outreach kit for national distribution immediately following the April airdate.
There will be two resource kits available for distribution, one kit will be military specific and the other kit will be for the general public. Military OneSource (MOS) will only distribute the military kit. The resource kit will include the DVD from the taping of the PBS special, a caregiver guide and a story book. The resource kit will be available through MOS beginning 14 April. The resource kit for the general public will be available for distribution through other sources.
When Families Grieve is a continuation of Sesame Workshop’s award-winning Talk, Listen, Connect initiative that first launched in July 2006 providing resources and emotional support to military families with young children coping with the challenging transitions in their lives, such as deployments and when a parent comes home changed due to combat-related injury.
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