Dallas @ MindSay 
loss
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 24, 2008 - The commander of U.S. European Command traveled to the former Soviet republic of Georgia to ensure the ongoing U.S. humanitarian effort in the wake of a Georgian conflict with Russia is proceeding smoothly. "I'm here to talk to Georgian leaders and our U.S. assessment team to hear what they need," Army Gen. Bantz J. Craddock said. "We have to get it right so we can help people quickly. We want to optimize the humanitarian aid effort and bring in the right stuff, to the right place at the right time."
The general and several key staff members from EuCom headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, were joined on the visit by U.S. Agency for International Development Administrator Henrietta Holsman Fore. As part of the visit, Craddock visited a building in Tbilisi where about 250 displaced people were living, unable to return home since the Russian advance. The general also met with Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili and defense ministry officials about the way ahead for U.S.-Georgian military-to-military relationship.
Craddock said EuCom would assess the Georgian forces' needs and make a recommendation to the secretary of defense.
"We express our gratitude for your help, and will never forget what you have done to help us in our time of need," Saakashvili said in a brief joint news conference after the meeting.
Craddock minced no words when discussing Russia's compliance with a France-brokered cease-fire agreement.
"There is an agreement between two heads of state, and there has to be compliance," he said Aug. 21. "My assessment is that the Russian withdrawal is now slower than it ought to be. [The Russians] need to do what they said they were going to do almost a week ago and
withdraw."
Craddock expressed support for an Organization for Security Cooperation in Europe observer mission slated to provide 100 unarmed military observers. The mission will provide better awareness of withdrawal progress and reduce the possibility of new clashes between Russians and Georgians.
Also part of Cradock's visit was a stop to observe the growing U.S. aerial port mission at Tbilisi Airport and tothank the U.S. troops working there. To date the U.S. has provided more than $11 million in direct support of the humanitarian aid mission in Georgia.
Navy Rear Adm. Steven Romano, EuCom's director of logistics and security assistance, said U.S. Air Force aircraft have established a tempo of C-17 and C-130 deliveries that are providing enough food to feed about 50,000 people per day until USAID and Georgian government efforts can sustain the effort.
Maritime assets are also playing a growing role in the aid effort. USS McFaul, a Navy destroyer, left Souda Bay, Crete, on Aug. 21 after taking aboard dozens of pallets of humanitarian relief supplies, and the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Dallas is following with more humanitarian aid.
(From a U.S. European Command news release.)
though it didn't result in any good job leads, the Dallas truck show was an interesting way to spend a day. There had been rain the previous few days so the August heat was bearable and this year they parked the show trucks inside the air conditioned convention center making it much more comfortable to take time and browse.
like most conventions, I suppose, truck show vendors (truck manufacturers, trucking business affiliates (fuel, parts, brokering, paint, accessories etc) and trucking firm recruiters all hire local models to supplement their own knowlegeable staff. Yes, sex sells! It brings the drivers into the booth or across the floor to the display where they then are encouraged to take swag in the form of pens, keychains, caps, posters, magnets, rulers and so on. Some of the larger vendors even have cash giveaways - games, a cash booth, ring toss, trivia, and one guy I have seen many times in the last 3 years who puts on a "Deal or No Deal" style presentation (you'll have no trouble recognizing him!).
check out the poor schlub who has been traveling too much recently at the 0:38 point - he calls out a winner's name and hometown, saying "Killin', Texas". The model/assistant corrects the MC and he tries again with
KilEEN, Texas.
my favorite of the beauties all day is the one in red at the 2:55 point. Hosting a give-away for some truck company, she glances over and sees me with the camera pointed at her (I was trying to catch clips of all the games around the pavillions for this video though I do admit to thinking later I should return Friday with the intent of doing a "Girls of G.A.T.S." collection, LOL!). Anyway, the moment she sees the camera she vogues!
Her eyes dip down demurely, she looks at me and flashes a big smile, and in a move Vanna would be proud of, she puts her hand on her hip and assumes "the stance".
Without further ado, my second movie maker video :
Hensel Phelps Construction Co., Chantilly, Va., is being awarded a $312,495,000 firm-fixed-price contract for design/build to collocated Military Department (MILDEP) Investigative Agencies, Marine Corps Base, Quantico, Va. The contract value includes contract line item 000l, base bid, three chillers enhancement, heater exchange enhancement, upgraded lobby/finish enhancement, and upgrade executive spaces enhancement. The contract is incrementally funded with the first increment of $134,066,765 being allocated at the time of award. The scope of the contract includes complete design and construction of the Collocated MILDEP Investigative Agencies, authorized under the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC) initiatives. This project involves the construction of a multi-story facility/facilities for the BRAC directed collocation of Military Department Investigative Agencies (MDIA) composed of the Counterintelligence Field Activity (CIFA), Headquarters Naval Criminal Investigative Services (NCIS), Headquarters Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), Headquarters Army Criminal Investigation Command (CID) and the Defense Security Service (DSS). It also includes the construction of a collocated "School House" for the Joint Counterintellegence Training Academy (JCITA) and the DSS and off-site development of utilities, bridge and roadway improvements. The work will be performed at the Marine Corps Base, Quantico, Va., and is expected to be complete by June 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online and Federal Business Opportunities websites, where five proposals were received for Phase I. Three proposals were submitted under Phase II and a negotiation period followed with conclusion by submission of a final proposal. Naval Facilities Engineering Command Washington, Washington, DC, is the contracting activity, contract number (N40080-08-C-0020).
McDonnell Douglas Corp., DBA the Boeing Company, St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $153,044,318 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract for an Assault Breaching System (ABS) Countermine System (CMS). The CMS will use a precision guided, stand-off munition capable of delivery by Air Force (AF) bombers and Navy (USN) tactical aircraft (TACAIR). The CMS shall attack surface laid and buried mines through a controlled dispense of countermine munitions. These munitions will be designed to neutralize mines and either consume the explosive fill or to cause a detonation of the mine. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo. (40 percent); Orlando, Fla. (31 percent); Niceville, Fla. (16 percent); and Mesa, Ariz. (13 percent), and work is expected to be completed by September 2013. The contract will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website and the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division website, with multiple proposals solicited and one offer received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division, Panama City, Fla. is the contracting activity (N61331-08-C-0032).
DG21 LLC, Dallas, Texas, is being awarded an estimated $28,365,264 modification P00034 under previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-quantity contract with award fee provisions (N62742-06-D-4501) to exercise the second option period for Base Operating Support Services at the U.S. Navy Support Facility, Diego Garcia in support of its mission in the British Indian Ocean Territory. The work to be performed provides for all management, labor, administration, supervision, materials, supplies, and equipment. After exercise of this modification, the total cumulative contract amount will be $467,728,084. Work will be performed at the U.S. Navy Support Facility, Diego Garcia, British Indian Ocean Territory, and is expected to be completed July 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The basic contract was competitively procured with 78 offers solicited, three proposals received, and award made to DG21 on 06 July 2006. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific Division, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity.
Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., is being awarded an $11,750,505 modification to delivery order #0056 under their existing previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (M67854-04-D-5016) for the installation of reducible height armor kits and survivability upgrade kits on Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) variants. Work will be performed in Oshkosh, Wis. (70 percent); Jacksonville, N.C. (22 percent); and Oceanside, Calif. (8 percent), and work for this delivery order is expected to be completed by June 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps System Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
Tetra Tech EC, Inc. (company's name changed from Tetra Tech Foster Wheeler, Inc.), San Diego, Calif. is being awarded $7,495,141 for modification 42 to Task Order #0072 under a previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee contract (N68711-98-D-5713) for base-wide radiological surveys and remediation at Hunters Point Shipyard. Work will be performed in San Francisco, Calif., and is expected to be completed June 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.
Northrop Grumman Technical Services Sector, Herndon, Va., is being awarded a $6,322,098 cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price contract for approximately 89,886 hours of engineering and logistics services in support of E-2C, C-2A test and E-2D System Design and Development (SDD) aircraft located at the Air Test and Evaluation Squadron TWO ZERO (VX-20), Patuxent River, Md. Services to be provided include modification and preparation of the aircraft for test operations, correct safety of flight discrepancies, quality control inspections, engineering investigations, and logistics and parts support. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Md., and is expected to be completed in July 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00421-08-C-0065).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Hess Corp., Woodbridge, N.J., is being awarded a maximum $69,992,650 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for direct supply natural gas. Other locations of performance are N.Y., Mass., Pa., and N.H. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Federal civilian Agencies. There were originally 166 proposals solicited with 37 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Sept. 30, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-7508).
JCB Inc., Pooler, Ga., was awarded on Jul. 28, a $6,151,111 contract for definitizing a current UCA for the procurement of 50 Add-on-Armor B-Kits for High Mobility Engineer Excavator vehicles, and the associated integrated logistics support. Work will be performed in Pooler, Ga., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 23, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one bid solicited on Jan. 4, 2008. U.S. Army TACOM LCMC, Warren, MI, Deployment Acquisition Group, is the contracting activity (W56HZV-05-D-0414).
BAE Systems Technology Solutions & Services, Inc, Fort Walton Beach, Fla., was awarded on Jul. 28, 2008, a $22,782,322 cost plus award fee, contract for logistical support and services consisting of the three major functional areas of maintenance, transportation and supply on the islands of Oahu and Hawaii. Work will be performed in Schofield Barracks, East Range, Fort Shafter, Wheeler Army Airfield, Island of Oahu; and Pohakuloa Training Area, Island of Hawaii, and is expected to be completed by Oct. 31, 2017. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 54 bids solicited on Jun. 16, 2006, and 7 bids were received. Regional Contracting Office, Fort Shafter, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (W912CN-08-C-0085).
BAE Systems Technology Solutions & Services, Inc, Fort Walton Beach, Fla., was awarded on July 28, 2008, a $22,782,322 cost plus award fee, contract for logistical support and services consisting of the three major functional areas of maintenance, transportation and supply on the islands of Oahu and Hawaii. Work will be performed in Schofield Barracks, East Range, Fort Shafter, Wheeler Army Airfield, Island of Oahu; and Pohakuloa Training Area, Island of Hawaii, and is expected to be completed by Oct. 31, 2017. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were 54 bids solicited on Jun. 16, 2006, and seven bids were received. Regional Contracting Office, Fort Shafter, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (W912CN-08-C-0085).
The Air Force is exercising an option by modifying a firm fixed price contract for $34,074,850 with Raytheon Missile Systems of Tucson, Ariz. This action will provide for MALD Low Rate Initial Production units (154 assets), Explosive Ordnance Disposal Trainer (5 assets), Decoy Trainers (41 assets), and Warranty for the LRIP units. At this time all funds have been obligated. 692 ARSS/PK, Eglin AFB, Fla., is the contracting activity (F08635-03-C-0002 P00079).
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus award fee contract for $7.5 million with Northrop Grumman Mission Systems/Electromagnetic Systems Laboratory of San Jose, Calif. The purpose of this action is to award the ASIP Objective Performance Incentive. At this time all funds have been obligated. USAF/AFMC, Reconnaissance Systems Wing, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity (F33657-03-C-4318 Mod Nr: P00060).
went to Dallas with my mother... It was a lot of
fun, but also a lot of driving... The house is
lonely, but I will manage just as long as I have my
AC... and there is a really cool part to the house,
I have my own, but not really... Its like a duplex..
I have a "townhouse" with my own entry's, driveway,
mailbox, kitchen, laundry room, living room,
dining room, and 2 bedrooms... Its gonna be
really nice to be by myself, but close to family..
The only way to get in my house is either through
my front door, which is at the back of the house,
or through the garage... but I have not stayed
there yet because it is not finished completely...
I just got back from Dallas, and I am tired..
Talk to you all later
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
June 2, 2008 - For the past two years, one troop-support organization has made sure children of fallen servicemembers have an avalanche of fun. "Snowball Express" began in December 2006 with the mission of providing hope and new memories to military children who have lost a parent since 9/11.
"The belief is these children should never be forgotten by a grateful nation," said Roy White, the group's chairman of the board and a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel. "Snowball Express accomplishes its mission by providing an all-expense paid, multi-day fun experience for eligible children [18 and younger] who are joined by the surviving parent [or] legal guardian."
Since its beginning, the Snowball Express event has been held in Orange County, Calif. This year will be no different, White said.
"This year, new and returning families will be treated to a new experience with a trip to Universal Studios and 'A Day in the Life of California,' being planned by the employees of Oakley and many other corporate partners," he said. "A return trip to Disneyland completes this unique experience, along with a few special surprises along the way for these children who pay the price of freedom for all Americans every day."
Beyond the fun, however, there is a serious purpose to the event, and that is the relationships that are forged among not only the adults who discover they're not alone, but also the children.
"The greatest benefits are the children being with other children who understand their emotions and thoughts," White said. "It's these new relationships that build hope for the future and create new memories and a network for these children."
More than 1,000 volunteers from across the country are helping to make this endeavor possible. Not included among these volunteers are the people who make donations to make the five-day event possible.
"We know Americans want to help these children, and Snowball Express has become a conduit for all Americans to help by donating frequent flyer miles, organizing local events for the families and providing financial contributions to his main event in December," said Jim Palmersheim, a Snowball Express board member and an American Airlines captain. "I'm proud that my fellow American Airline pilots and flight attendants worked for free to bring these children to Snowball Express last year, and we are honored to do it again this year."
Other corporate sponsors offer everything from lodging and transportation to meals, tickets and myriad other goodies.
Those involved with Snowball Express said the group's new affiliation with the Defense Department's "America Supports You" program will help spread the word and get other sponsors involved, as well.
America Supports You connects citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
"Very little money is spent on overhead costs such as advertising or fundraising," said Bill Mimiaga, Snowball Express' secretary and a trustee as well as a retired Marine major. "Being recognized by ASY will give us increased exposure to corporations and, more importantly, to families who may not know about us.
"If even one family learns of Snowball Express because of this affiliation, those children's lives and the subsequent changes in their lives because of their Snowball Express experience will make it all worthwhile," he added.
This year's Snowball Express event will be held Dec. 16-20. Plans are under way to hold Snowball Express 2009 in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. More information and eligibility rules are available on the group's Web site.
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