Military

11/10/09 -- Washington, D.C. – Congressman Ron Klein (FL-22) and Senator John Kerry (D-Mass.), a senior member and former Chairman of the Small Business Committee, today announced their introduction of a bill to support small businesses that employ military reservists.

The Small Business and Military Family Assistance Act of 2009 will provide tax incentives for small business employers who make up the salary difference for their reservist employees while they’re serving in Iraq or Afghanistan. While many large businesses can afford to supplement the lower wages reservists earn while in active duty, small business owners struggle to offer the same service.    » read more »

November 10, 2009 -- Washington, DC- Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke released the following statement honoring the victims of the Fort Hood tragedy:

“On November 5th, Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan killed thirteen people and wounded thirty. This senseless act of violence is the worst terrorist act to take place on a mainland U.S. military base in our nation’s history. Fort Hood has suffered a great loss and my thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims.

As a Member of the House Homeland Security Committee, I will be working to ensure that our nation works to prevent such horrific actions from ever happening again. I will be closely following any congressional inquiries looking into the tragedy.    » read more »

Initiative Would Transform Federal Government into Model of Veterans Employment

November 09, 2009 -- Washington, DC – Today, the White House announced the launch of an initiative that is designed to transform the federal government into the model employer of America’s veterans. This evening, President Obama will be joined by Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki, Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and Office of Personnel Management Director John Berry to sign an Executive Order on the Employment of Veterans in the federal government, which establishes the Veterans Employment Initiative for the Executive Branch.    » read more »

November 9, 2009 -- OLYMPIA – Washington Governor Chris Gregoire has directed that flags at all Washington state agency buildings be lowered to half-staff Thursday, Nov. 12, in memory of U.S. Army Specialist Aaron S. Aamot of Custer. Aamot was killed last week in Afghanistan when an improvised explosive device detonated near his military vehicle.

Flags should remain at half-staff until close of business Thursday, or first thing Friday morning, Nov. 13.

Congress amended the U.S. Flag Code to give governors the authority to lower flags when a state resident in the military is killed in the line of duty. Other government entities, citizens and businesses are encouraged to join in this recognition.

Source: Washington Governor

November 09, 2009 -- SAN ANTONIO – Texas Governor Rick Perry today announced initiatives to expand and improve mental health support programs for veterans and their families utilizing state funds marked for veterans mental health.

“The men and women of the military make the ultimate sacrifice to leave their families and loved ones and serve our country fighting in distant lands,” Gov. Perry said. “While observing Veterans’ Day this week, we cannot forget to support these brave Americans and their families when they return home by ensuring they have access to the health care and benefits promised when they made their own promise to defend this nation, and by ensuring a seamless transition to civilian life and providing any support they need.”    » read more »

Nov. 6, 2009 -- PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds asks that all flags in South Dakota be flown at half staff until Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2009, from 8 a.m. until sunset in tribute to those who lost their lives in a mass shooting at Fort Hood, Texas.

“This truly is a tragedy, and our hearts go out to the victims’ families, friends and loved ones,” the Governor said.

The president today ordered flags at the White House and federal agencies to be flown at half-staff until Veterans Day.

Source: South Dakota Governor

November 9, 2009 -- New York Governor David A. Paterson has directed that flags on New York State government buildings be flown at half-staff on Thursday, November 12, in honor of an Albany-area soldier who died in Iraq on November 4.

Staff Sergeant Amy C. Tirador, a member of the 209th Military Intelligence Co., 1st Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment of the 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team of the 2nd Infantry Division, died of injuries sustained in a non-combat related incident in Kirkush. The unit is based at Fort Lewis, Washington.    » read more »

November 9, 2009 -- TRENTON - In honor of those who were affected by the tragic incident at the Fort Hood Texas Army Base, Acting Governor Richard J. Codey signed the following Executive Order calling for the United States and New Jersey flags to fly at half-staff on Tuesday, November 10, 2009.

The full text of the Executive Order is below.

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 158

WHEREAS, the tragedy at the Fort Hood Texas Army Base, has shaken the nation and, in particular, has affected the citizens of the State of New Jersey because of the injury of a soldier from Bridgewater, New Jersey; and    » read more »

ODENSE, Denmark, Nov. 10, 2009 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and Odense-based Falck Schmidt Defence Systems A/S today announced that Boeing Research & Technology will assess Falck Schmidt fuel cell products for potential use in Boeing renewable-energy power systems for military platforms.

The announcement followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two companies that also points to potential opportunities for the use of Falck Schmidt composite components and materials in Boeing Integrated Defense Systems (IDS) rotorcraft programs.    » read more »

ST. LOUIS, Nov. 9, 2009 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has been awarded a $72 million U.S. Air Force contract for more than 2,900 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) tail kits.

Boeing will deliver the kits in 2011 and 2012. The Lot 14 production order is the second one-year option of a six-year contract Boeing received in January 2008. The agreement has a potential total value of $590 million with deliveries extending through 2015, if all options are exercised.

"JDAM provides warfighters an effective, accurate and battle-tested weapon," said Dan Jaspering, Boeing director of Direct Attack Programs. "The Lot 14 contract and its additional options assure the long-term availability of this cost-effective weapon."    » read more »

Continuation of Investigation into Terrorism on U.S. Soil

November 9, 2009 -- WASHINGTON -- Senate Homeland Security Chairman Joe Lieberman, ID-Conn., and Ranking Member Susan Collins, R-Me., formally announced on Monday that their Committee will be conducting an investigation into last week's murders at Ft. Hood, beginning with a public hearing next week. The Senators released the following statements today on their inquiry and intention to hold hearings on the attack:    » read more »

November 9, 2009 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator John Kerry (D-Mass.), a senior member and former Chairman of the Small Business Committee, and Congressman Ron Klein (D-Fla.) today announced their introduction of a bill to support small businesses that employ military reservists.

The Small Business and Military Family Assistance Act of 2009 will provide tax incentives for small business employers who make up the salary difference for their reservist employees while they’re serving in Iraq or Afghanistan. While many large businesses can afford to supplement the lower wages reservists earn while in active duty, small business owners struggle to offer the same service.    » read more »

November 9, 2009 -- Washington, DC - Senators Daniel Akaka, Jon Tester and Mark Begich held a press conference today to discuss legislation to improve health care services to America's veterans. A single Republican Senator is obstructing efforts to pass the bipartisan Caregiver and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2009. Among other things, the legislation will provide benefits to caregivers of severely injured veterans, expand health care services to women, improve mental care treatment, provide outreach to homeless veterans and enhance VA medical services.    » read more »

Veterans' Affairs Committee Leaders Suggest Improvements on GI Bill Processing

November 9, 2009 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii) and Ranking Member Richard Burr (R-North Carolina) wrote Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki to suggest ways to improve the processing of the post-9/11 GI Bill.

"Men and women at VA are working hard and working overtime to reduce the backlog of new GI Bill claims. This is a huge transition, and I hope our suggestions will help the Department speed up the process," said Akaka. "I want Secretary Shinseki to know that I am committed to helping him do whatever needs to be done - whether that be in resources or legislation."

The letter outlines potential improvements, including:    » read more »

Washington - Nov 9 - Congressman Adam Smith released the following statement in response to the shooting at Fort Hood Thursday, November 5, 2009. A Memorial Ceremony to honor the victims of the shooting will be held tomorrow.

“The recent shooting at Fort Hood is a grave tragedy. Our brave men and women selflessly put themselves in harms way to protect us and should not have to worry about incidences of violence taking place while on American soil. They face enough danger while they are abroad.    » read more »