Military

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Nov. 9, 2009 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) moves closer to its first international sale of RACR (Raytheon Advanced Combat Radar) following approval for the company to move forward with technical discussions with at least two potential customers.

Both countries are looking to upgrade their F-16 fleets within the next two years in order to keep their force structure at the cutting edge of today's complex battlespace. RACR is designed for all F-16s and is approved for export.

The program is on schedule to fly production hardware on an F-16 during the first half of 2010.    » read more »

November 07, 2009 -- WASHINGTON – In this week’s address, President Barack Obama expressed his sadness for the tragedy at Fort Hood and praised the selfless valor of those who came to the aid of the wounded. While we mourn the heartbreaking violence, we should honor the heroism of the soldiers and civilians who rushed to help their comrades. That is the heroism which makes the U.S. military the finest in the world.

Remarks of President Barack Obama
As Prepared for Delivery
Weekly Address
Saturday, November 7, 2009

I’d like to speak with you for a few minutes today about the tragedy that took place at Ft. Hood. This past Thursday, on a clear Texas afternoon, an Army psychiatrist walked into the Soldier Readiness Processing Center, and began shooting his fellow soldiers.    » read more »

Manchin offers condolences to the Fort Hood community

Nov. 6, 2009 -- CHARLESTON, W.Va. – In conjunction with presidential proclamation lowering U.S. flags, West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin has ordered all state flags to be lowered to half-staff immediately in honor of the victims of the tragedy at Fort Hood, Texas.

The flags shall remain at half-staff until Tuesday, Nov. 10, at sunset.

Gov. Manchin also issued this statement of condolence:    » read more »

SALT LAKE CITY - Utah Governor Gary R. Herbert issued the following statement today in response to the death of Private First Class Aaron Thomas Nemelka.

"Utah joins the entire nation in grieving today for the servicemen and women killed and injured during yesterday's tragedy at Fort Hood in Texas. One of those brave victims was Private First Class Aaron Nemelka from West Jordan, a young combat engineer who was preparing to put his life on the line to protect the values that we hold dear.

"Jeanette and I extend our deepest condolences to Private First Class Nemelka's family, as well as all of the families affected by this senseless attack. We ought never forget about those who risk their lives every day, at home and abroad, to protect our freedoms."    » read more »

Flags to Remain Lowered until Veterans Day

Nov. 6, 2009 -- Harrisburg – Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell today ordered U.S. and state flags at commonwealth facilities to be flown at half-staff until Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, in honor of the soldiers who were killed and injured during a Nov. 5 shooting at Fort Hood Army base in Texas.

"This tragic news shocked the nation and we join Americans in grieving the losses and injuries inflicted by this violent act,” Governor Rendell said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the fallen soldiers, their families, and the Fort Hood community.”

The Governor’s order follows that of President Barack Obama, who ordered all U.S. flags at federal buildings to be lowered until Veterans Day.    » read more »

Flags to be lowered until sunset on Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Nov. 6, 2009 -- (Salem) - Today Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski ordered all flags at public institutions be flown at half-staff until sunset on Tuesday, November 10, 2009, in memory of those lost in the Fort Hood tragedy yesterday.

“The tragic event at Fort Hood yesterday is not only devastating for the families, but for our entire nation,” said Governor Kulongoski. “As we keep our soldiers serving abroad in our thoughts and prayers, we should take a moment to think about those lost at Fort Hood and their families.”

Source: Oregon Governor

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland has issued the following statement in honor of the victims of the Fort Hood tragedy and has ordered all state flags at public buildings and grounds to be flown at half-staff until sunset on Tuesday, November 10, 2009.

Ohio grieves for the victims of the tragedy at Fort Hood. The prayers of our people seek comfort for the families of those who were lost, recovery for those who were injured, and solace for all whose lives were affected by this senseless violence.    » read more »

November 06, 2009 -- BISMARCK, N.D. – In accordance with a directive issued by the President, North Dakota Governor John Hoeven today directed all government agencies in the state to fly the American and North Dakota flags at half staff until Veterans Day in honor of the victims of the Fort Hood shootings. Effective today, the flags are directed to be flown at half staff from sunrise to sunset each day until November 11.    » read more »

November 6, 2009 -- Carson City - Nevada Governor Jim Gibbons has ordered the flag atop the Capitol in Carson City, the flag in front of the Grant Sawyer Building in Las Vegas and the flags at other state buildings to be flown at half-staff beginning Friday November 6, 2009 through Wednesday November 11, 2009 (Veterans Day) to honor the Americans killed in the attack at Fort Hood Army Base on November 5, 2009.

“This is a terrible tragedy for the friends and family of those killed or hurt during this crime,” Governor Gibbons said, “All Nevadans should remember the victims in our thoughts and prayers.”

Source: Nevada Governor

November 6, 2009 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci today ordered the U.S. and the State of Maine flags flown at half-staff from now until sundown on Tuesday, Nov. 10, in memory of the victims of Thursday’s shootings at Fort Hood, Texas.

The order is in accordance with an announcement by President Obama that U.S. flags be flown at half-staff during the same time period.

“Maine joins the entire nation in mourning the loss of life at Fort Hood,” Governor Baldacci said. “This is a terrible tragedy and our hearts go out to the families of all those who were killed or wounded.”

In addition, Governor Baldacci has ordered that the U.S. and State of Maine flags be flown at half-staff on Wednesday, Nov. 11, in honor of U.S. Marine Major Samuel Leigh.    » read more »

November 06, 2009 -- FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear has directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff until sundown on Nov. 10 in honor of the victims of yesterday’s tragic incident at Fort Hood.

This order follows the proclamation from President Barack Obama earlier today ordering the flag of the United States to be flown at half-staff at the White House and other federal buildings until sundown on Nov. 10.

“Yesterday’s occurrence at Fort Hood was an unprecedented and unspeakable tragedy,” said Gov. Beshear. “My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims and all others who were affected by this inexpressible attack.”    » read more »

State and U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff

November 06, 2009 -- DES MOINES – Iowa Governor Chet Culver has signed a proclamation ordering that Iowa and United States flags are to be flown at half-staff to honor the victims of yesterday’s shootings at the Fort Hood Army base in Texas. The flags will be lowered through Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009.

This order is in addition to today’s proclamation by President Barack Obama ordering that all United States flags shall be lowered through Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009. The President’s order applies to federal property and embassies. Governor Culver’s order applies to state-owned property.

The text of the proclamation is below:
PROCLAMATION    » read more »

Illinois Thoroughbred Horseman’s Association Donates $50,000 to Important Fund as Veterans Day Nears

November 8, 2009 -- CHICAGO - November 8, 2009 -- Illinois Governor Pat Quinn today joined with representatives from the Illinois Thoroughbred Horseman’s Association to accept a $50,000 donation to the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund.

“I salute the Thoroughbred Horseman’s Association for supporting this important cause for more than three years,” said Governor Quinn. “When our brave men and women answer the call to duty, they should not have to worry that their families are suffering financially at home. All of us in Illinois can help our military families by donating to the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund this Veterans Day.”    » read more »

November 6, 2009 -- HONOLULU – To honor the brave men and women who lost their lives in Fort Hood, Texas, acting Governor James R. “Duke” Aiona, Jr., on behalf of Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle, has ordered the Hawai‘i state flag at all state and county buildings throughout Hawai‘i to be flown at half-staff until sunset on Tuesday, November 10, 2009.

“We must always honor our service men and women, who risk their lives every day to protect the liberty and freedom we have as American citizens,” said Lt. Governor Aiona. “This senseless act of violence saddens us all, and our hearts go out to the family and friends of the victims.”    » read more »

Celebrates nation’s first pilot program to help veterans returning to colleges and universities

November 6, 2009 -- TAMPA – Today, Florida Governor Charlie Crist joined together with representatives from the University of South Florida (USF), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs at the USF campus to participate in Uniforms to Mortarboards, a statewide conference to discuss issues important to Florida’s veteran students. The Governor also applauded VetsSuccess on Campus, a new, veteran-specific educational pilot program by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at the University of South Florida.    » read more »