Tennessee @ MindSay 
nashville
And the house is quiet once more... It's that old yin/yang thing: loved them here, love having the house back to ourselves again - but we miss them! My older sister's daughter, granddaughter and great granddaughter all came to visit with us. It was challenging, as we had my niece in a wheelchair, due to a difficult knee operation, her daughter and her granddaughter in a stroller everywhere we went. We got to do lots of touristing around the San Francisco Bay area, as they had never been here before. But it was a quick trip, as they all had to leave the rest of their families to visit here. My great niece had to work this weekend, also. She's a nurse. And she has 3 other children at home. While here, we visited the crookedest street in San Francisco (Lombard), the Painted Ladies, the Presidio, and of course the Golden Gate Bridge. The next day, we were in the redwoods and visited Korbel winery, plus the ocean (gale force winds and foggy). However, everywhere else, the weather really cooperated for us - high 70s every day, and very cool nights. The third day, we went down to the Spanish Mission - Solano de Sonoma, and had a delightful outdoor luncheon and drive throught the vineyards. By this time, the little one was getting tired of driving, so the following day we spent going to a playground, having lunch out, plus just playing in the backyard as we knew they would be spending the entire next day traveling. It's two hours from here to the airport, plus the wait, and the flight home with another drive to their door. We had a wonderful time, but we are ALL pooped!
AM General, LLC, South Bend, Ind., was awarded on Apr. 11, 2008, a $650,079,405 firm-fixed price contract for 4,526 high mobility multi-purpose wheeled vehicles. Work will be performed in Mishawaka, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Mar. 17, 2006. TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-S0001).
Lincoln Public Schools, Lincoln, Mass., was awarded on Apr. 11, 2008, a $10,357,772 firm-fixed price contract for the provision of comprehensive education program services, grades pre-K through 8th, for eligible Department of Defense dependents residing on Hanscom Air Force Base. Work will be performed in Lincoln, Mass., and is expected to be completed by Jun. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Nov. 27, 2006, and one bid was received. Department of Defense Education Activity, Peachtree City, Ga Is the contracting activity (HE1254-07-C-0005).
General Atomics Aeronautical System, San Diego, Calif., was awarded on Apr. 11, 2008, an $8,959,146 cost-plus fixed-fee contract to acquire two ground control stations, two ground data terminals, and three lots of spares to support the quick-reaction capability unmanned-aircraft systems deployment initiative. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif. and is expected to be completed by May 15, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Aug. 14, 2007. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala. is the contracting activity (DAAH01-03-C-0124).
SUMMA Technology, Inc., Huntsville, Ala., was awarded on Apr. 11, 2007, a $6,200,944 firm-fixed price contract for the container roll-in/roll-out platform. Work will be performed in Cullman, Ala., and is expected to be completed by Jun. 30, 2011, with deliveries possible through Jun. 30, 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Dec. 21, 2005, and six bids were received. U.S. Army TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-06-D-0269).
Phillips Contracting, Inc., Columbus, Miss., was awarded on Apr. 14, 2008, a $5,548,283 firm-fixed price contract for the Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway Mooring Facility. Work will be performed in Columbus, Miss., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 22, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Feb. 15, 2007, and four bids were received. Corps of Engineers, Mobile, Ala., is the contracting activity (W91278-08-C-0026).
Bristol Environmental & Engineering Services Corp., Anchorage, Alaska, was awarded on Apr. 11, 2008, a $5,016,463 firm-fixed price contract for the design and construction of the F22 infrastructure Phase II, and F22 taxiway, taxi lanes, and arm/de-arm. Work will be performed at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, and work is expected by be completed on Oct. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Nov. 8, 2007, and three bids were received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Alaska, is the contracting activity (W911KB-08-C-0007).
MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY
Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems of Woburn, Mass., is being awarded a $400,000,000 (maximum) indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract to support the design, development, and activation of a European-based mid-course radar. The effort will be accomplished through task orders, each with distinct scope and pricing. The first task order will obligate $5,283,817 and will be limited to site surveys, studies, analysis, planning, design, and similar activities specifically permitted in section 226(d) of the FY08 National Defense Authorization Act. Additional activities necessary to this deployment will be conducted by or through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Work will be performed at the contractor’s facility and Europe and is expected to be complete by Feb. 2013. This is a sole source award. The contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. The Missile Defense Agency, Huntsville, Ala., is the contracting activity (HQ0147-08-D-0001). The first task order will use FY 08 research and development funds of $5,283,817.
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Propper International, Inc., Mayaguez, PR., is being awarded a maximum $13,416,479 modification to a firm fixed price, indefinite quantity contract for Marine Corps combat utility uniforms. Other locations of performance are Cabo Rojo, Lajas and Las Marias, PR. Using service is Marine Corps. This proposal was originally Web solicited with 10 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Apr. 18, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SP0100-06-D-0332).
American Apparel, Inc., Selma, Ala., is being awarded a maximum $19,963,861 modification to a firm fixed price, indefinite quantity contract for Marine Corps combat utility uniforms. Other locations of performance are Fort Deposit and Opp, Ala. Using service is Marine Corps. This proposal was originally Web solicited with 10 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Apr. 18, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SP0100-06-D-0331).
East Coast Fruit Co., Jacksonville, Fla.*, is being awarded a maximum $6,207,134 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fresh fruit and vegetable support in the Georgia Zone. Other locations of performance are Atlanta and Savannah, Ga., and Gainesville, Fla. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and USDA schools. This proposal was originally DIBBS solicited with three responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Oct. 15, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM300-08-D-P040)
Schafer Corp., of Chelmsford, Mass., is being awarded a cost-plus-fixed-fee (predominant), cost, and firm-fixed price contract for $7,583,381. This contract procures no personal advisory and assistance services (A&AS) and non A&AS to support Headquarters Air Force Space Command’s organize, train, and equip responsibilities in the Space Control mission area. The contract services includes, but are not limited to, a life-cycle support approach for: Space Control planning (near and long range) to include strategic master plans, mission area plans, mission area plans, roadmaps, and investment strategic; functional, enabling, and operational concept; Space Control operational and capabilities-based functional, enabling, and operating concepts; Space Control operational and capabilities-based requirements; Space Control operational architecture/Department of Defense architectural framework development; Space Control mission architecture; assessing military effectiveness and utility of Space Control operational and enterprise architectures; integrating information operation with future acquisitions; modeling and simulations and result analysis; Space Control test, training, and exercise support; major command Space Control policy and guidance; operational, requirements, intelligence, logistical, and communications support to programmed and operational Space Control capabilities and systems coordination and integration with missions partners’ programming, planning, and budget execution; and Space Control integrated master schedule. At this time $2,761,372 has been obligated. 21st Contracting Squadron, Colorado Springs, Colo., is the contracting activity (FA2517-08-C-8000).
By Lance Cpl. Josephh R. Stahlman, USMC
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 5, 2008 - Although the American dream means different things to different people, one Marine with U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command believes he is living his version of it. Cpl. Marek Vyskocil, the training noncommissioned officer for Marine Special Operations Advisor Group, said he has everything he could ask for in life, but that his journey began far from American soil.
Vyskocil's journey to America, the Marine Corps and MARSOC began in his home country of Czechoslovakia. He grew up in Havirov and learned to speak several languages due to the diversity of people in his community. Although Vyskocil said he lived a normal Czech childhood, there weren't many jobs or opportunities for self-advancement as he got older. Upon graduating from high school at 18, Vyskocil was drafted into the Czech army.
"At the time, we had no choice but to serve a mandatory one year in the army," explained Vyskocil, a 31-year-old husband and father of three.
Vyskocil said he believes the army helped him mature and made him more independent. "If I hadn't joined the army, I probably wouldn't be where I am at today," he explained.
After getting out of the Czech army, Vyskocil worked a few odd jobs to support himself. During this time, a friend came up with the idea to visit America for spring break.
"I really liked the idea, because I always wanted to visit America," Vyskocil said. "I started to save up enough money for a plane ticket and some extra spending money." He arrived in America in 1998 with one change of clothes, a small bag and no ability to speak the English language.
"I didn't have a lot of money, and I didn't expect to be in America for that long," he recalled. "When I got to Tampa Bay, Fla., I fell in love with America."
It didn't take long for Vyskocil to decide he wanted to stay in the United States. "I fell in love with the culture and the freedom everyone had," said Vyskocil. "Even though I could not speak English, I still had a great time."
Although Vyskocil was able to speak five different languages at this point in his life, English was not one of them.
"I spoke Czech, Slovak, Polish, Slovenian and Russian, but I couldn't speak English or understand some of America's customs and courtesies," he said.
"I once sat in a fast-food restaurant for 45 minutes trying to order a large soda with the last of my money," he said with a chuckle. "When I thought the cashier finally understood me, she came back with my order and handed me a vanilla ice cream cone instead. I was so frustrated I threw the ice cream away and left -- thirsty."
After staying in Tampa Bay throughout spring break, Vyskocil was offered a job in Tennessee. He accepted the job offer and made the trip from Tampa Bay to Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
"I worked for housekeeping at a hotel for my first year when I started dating my now wife, who was the hotel manager," he said. "I then started to learn more and more English until I could finally speak it fluently."
According to Vyskocil's wife, Karen, her husband has always been polite, even when he didn't speak English.
"When I first met him, he would always ask me the meanings of words," said Karen, who is now learning Czech. "When he moved up to the front office, his English just took off. After about a year, he stopped asking me questions and English turned into second nature to him."
After five years working at the hotel, Vyskocil became the hotel manager.
"I loved the fact that I could work from the bottom to the top on my own drive and determination," he said. "That's another reason I love America; if someone has the drive and willpower to do something, they can do it."
After taking another job as a salesman at a car dealership, Vyskocil realized he wanted to put his language skills to good use.
"I wanted to join the FBI, but I had to either have college or have a military background," he said. "With my paycheck, a wife and a son, I figured college was not the route to go."
Vyskocil's wife and family convinced him to join the U.S. Air Force. Vyskocil went to his local Air Force recruiter and was waiting outside when a Marine Corps recruiter walked up, introduced himself and invited Vyskocil into his office to discuss a future in the military.
"I knew about the U.S. Marines growing up in Europe," Vyskocil said. "I was a little uneasy at first, but I noticed his professionalism and attitude about the Corps and decided to join."
Vyskocil learned to speak English and caught on quickly by listening to others speak, but the reading comprehension portion of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery proved challenging.
"I failed the ASVAB twice, and decided the military might not be for me," he said. "My recruiter kept calling to make sure I was studying my words. He wouldn't let me give up on myself, and on the third try, I finally passed the test."
After 11 months of study and effort, Vyskocil shipped to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. After graduating from boot camp and the School of Infantry in 2005, Vyskocil deployed to Iraq with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, later that year.
Upon returning from deployment, Vyskocil became an American citizen.
"It felt great to finally be a part of America," he said. "I lived here for so long, and now I was really a citizen."
Vyskocil then searched for ways to put his language skills to good use for the Corps. During his search, Vyskocil discovered MARSOC.
"I spoke with a (staff noncommissioned officer) with MARSOC, and he offered me a chance to become a part of it," he said. "I jumped at the chance to join."
Vyskocil received orders to MARSOC in 2006 and is now the S-3 training NCO at MSOAG. He hopes to one day put his knowledge and language skills to good use by being on one of MSOAG's special operations teams.
Vyskocil, like so many people before him, was born and raised in a foreign country and came to America as an immigrant looking for a better life and greater opportunities. Like many others, he overcame language and culture barriers and earned everything he has through hard work and determination. Now he gives back to the United States by serving his country in a time of war as an American citizen and protecting the very freedoms he longed for before coming to this nation.
"I'm proud that I'm a Marine and honored to serve this country," he said. "I came to this country with basically nothing, and after 10 years, I have a family and everything I've ever dreamed of before coming to the United States. I'll never take the freedom America gave me for granted."
(Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Josephh R. Stahlman serves with Marine Forces Special Operations Command.)
Click here for video of news report.
Updated: Feb 19, 2008 11:00 PM
They are doctors, lawyers, truck drivers, teachers -- and they'll put two in the chest and one in the head of any attacker faster than you can say, "self-defense."
"I'll guarantee you if you run against one of the guys who shoot with us, you are in for a big problem," says Arthur Blower, a retired Marine and school teacher from Arlington, Tennessee.
They are the men and women of the International Defense Pistol Association (IDPA), ordinary citizens with extraordinary handgun skills. They compete every Tuesday night at Range USA, Inc., 2770 Whitten Road in East Memphis (www.rangeusa.com).
More than 30,000 citizens in Shelby County are licensed to carry handguns, more than any other county in Tennessee. Those who compete in the IDPA are the cream of the crop, spending thousands of dollars and hundreds of man-hours honing their shooting skills -- and carrying their weapons wherever the law allows them.
"If my life is in danger, or somebody else's life is in danger and they are with me, I'm going to shoot," says Margo Stevens, a salesperson from Hernando, Mississippi. "I'm not going to think twice."
As of May 2007, Tennessee law allows law-abiding citizens with state-issued handgun carry permits to use deadly force virtually anywhere as long as they are where they have a right to be and they are not in the commission of a crime.
However, the law does restrict where licensed gun carriers can carry their weapons. Even with a carry license, they cannot carry their weapons in a school, government building, post office, airport, courthouse, civic building, hospital or establishment that sells alcohol by the drink. They also cannot carry their guns into private businesses that have posted a sign prohibiting firearms. The sign must clearly spell out the language of Tennessee Code 39-17-1359. That's the state code that declares a private establishment's right to ban firearms.
Ron Krelstein, a Germantown self-defense attorney who wrote the Memphis Police Department's "shoot, don't shoot" policy in 1971, says the law also provides civil immunity to any Tennessee citizen who kills someone in self-defense. That means they cannot be sued by the attacker's family for losses or damages.
Krelstein acknowledges that there will be questions over the constitutionality of that immunity by lawyers who'd argue everyone has a right to due process in the courts. But he says if a Tennessee citizen kills someone in self-defense -- and they are not in the process of committing a crime -- all they have to say to police are the magic words.
"I would just keep saying, 'It was either him or me,'" Krelstein says. "'I felt like my life was in danger.'"
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