By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 26, 2007 - With a big emphasis in Iraq on getting diplomatic and economic progress to catch up with security progress, officials here say U.S. military-diplomatic cooperation is just as important here, half a world away in the Pacific. The so-called "DIME" principle of applying all elements of national power –– diplomatic, information, military and economic -- to U.S. foreign policy goals is as key to maintaining stability in this region as everywhere else in the world, Ambassador Gene B. Christy told American Forces Press Service.
As the full-time foreign policy advisor to Navy Adm. Timothy J. Keating, commander of U.S. Pacific Command, Christy provides a vital communication link among PACOM, the State Department and U.S. ambassadors in the region.
The goal, he said, is to ensure that as the United States engages with countries in the region, it leverages its diplomatic and military efforts in a coordinated, unified way. It's an effort he said has improved significantly since Sept. 11, 2001, and continues to be more synchronized.
At the simplest level, diplomacy takes the lead in assuring friends and allies of U.S. support, or deterring aggression and of dissuading excessive military buildups that could threaten them, he said. "It's the part you want to have most active, most engaged and most successful, so you don't face having to implement the 'M,'" or military force, he explained.
But at the same time, Christy said, diplomacy can't be fully effective without military power backing it up. "You have to have the 'M' to make the other parts credible," he said. "Deterrence will deter no one if you have no capability to deter and to move onto the next stage."
U.S. military power adds another dimension to the diplomatic equation, Christy said. It's often the major catalyst in building partnerships, alliances and coalitions. Particularly in small and relatively vulnerable countries, a strong relationship with the United States offers an assurance "that in the event of trouble, there would be a friend in a position to come to your assistance," he said. "And in that case, the United States is a pretty good friend to have."
Military-to-military relationships offer other, more immediate benefits as well. For example, he said, some countries welcome the political message and the deterrence value that comes when a U.S. ship visits its port. Many view exercises with the U.S. military as an opportunity to enhance their own military skills and capabilities. Still others, like tiny Tonga, which recently sent its second 55-member troop contingent to Iraq to serve in Multinational Force Iraq, take strong national pride in contributing to a coalition effort alongside the United States.
Ambassador Larry Dinger, U.S. ambassador to Tonga as well as Fiji, Tuvalu, Kiribati and Nauru, said the military component has always been important toward diplomatic efforts around the world. "The military does the warfighting, but everything else that goes after it and around the edges of it needs both (military and diplomatic) systems contributing," he said.
The military contribution has become increasingly important in recent years in the Pacific Island nations, particularly as U.S. Agency for International Development funding for the region has dried up. That, he said, makes military programs one of the most important tools in his diplomatic toolbox.
"When we can provide the Tongans with some ammunition and equipment and training and exercises, it's a big deal," he said. "It is really appreciated, and it strengthens the relationship. It works."
Another benefit to the region is the humanitarian assistance missions the U.S. military regularly carries out. These range from teams delivering critically needed medical and dental care to construction crews building schools and clinics to servicemembers visiting orphanages or performing concerts.
Dinger cited a recent humanitarian exercise in which teams of U.S. military reservists carried out week-long medical-support and construction missions in Kiribati and Nauru. "The people-to-people aspect was phenomenal," he said. The troops involved "reconfirmed U.S. engagement with this region and with each country."
Christy called this "soft power" application of military capabilities an important aspect of diplomatic efforts in the region. It helps to win hearts and minds as it builds new relationships or repairs strained ones, he said.
Few examples of the healing effect of this soft power compare to the U.S. military response following the December 2004 tsunami that devastated Ache, Indonesia. U.S.-Indonesian relations were at a low ebb at the time when U.S. forces rushed in to offer relief.
"Here were soldiers rescuing babies, delivering food, doing things that demonstrated a great deal of sympathy and empathy," Christy said.
Even less dramatic personal interactions go a long way toward supporting diplomatic efforts, he said. A Foreign Service officer who's reached the apex of his career and earned the title "ambassador," Christy hesitates to call U.S. servicemembers ambassadors as they interface with foreign militaries and citizens. But he acknowledges that in many ways, these troops serve as the embodiment of U.S. values overseas.
Whether volunteering for a civic-action program or simply shopping at a local market, they give foreign nationals the opportunity to "put a human face on American soldiers and sailors," Christy said. That's particularly important, he added, in cases where people have never met an American personally and might have preconceived and possibly negative notions about Americans.
"There's a lot of misappreciation of the United States, and one of the most effective ways to overcome that is through people-to-people contacts," Christy said. In this way, he explained, individual soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines "are becoming part of the 'D'" application of the DIME principle.
"They play a very active role in diplomacy by their presence, their behaviors, their openness, their willingness to engage with people and satisfy their curiosity," he said. "They are diplomats. They are ambassadors. They are showing what America is all about," he said.
As important as this relationship is to the Pacific, Dinger said, it's important to the United States, too, as friends and allies become stronger partners in the security of the region and beyond. There's "no doubt that the military role in this region is important," Dinger said. "And it's encouraging that even in the midst of huge military investment in the Middle East, we are clearly seeing more within this region, too."
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Award-Winning Actor Visits Wounded Troops
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 26, 2007 - Award-winning actor Robert Duvall certainly wasn't gone in 60 seconds when he stopped at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here yesterday to visit wounded servicemembers. He did discover, however, that his 2000 movie "Gone in 60 Seconds," was a favorite with those he talked to. "What is it with that movie?" he asked after talking with several troops who said they loved the film.
"I think 'Gone in 60 Seconds' was on (Turner Network Television) the other day, so I just watched it," Army Spc. Brent Hendrix, a Walter Reed outpatient, said in providing a possible explanation.
Duvall's visit was a welcome surprise, said Hendrix, whose right leg was amputated below the knee after his Stryker combat vehicle hit a roadside bomb in Iraq's Anbar province on June 27, 2006.
"I'm all about him," he said. "Most times you sit there, and you think about celebrities, ... and you wouldn't ever think they'd come by here and see us. They really do appreciate what we do and what we continue to do."
That sentiment was echoed throughout the physical therapy room as Duvall worked his way around amid the hubbub of on-going rehabilitation sessions.
Duvall was sincere and heartfelt, said Marine Cpl. Kenny Lyon, also a Walter Reed outpatient, who lost his left leg above the knee when his operating post north of Fallujah, Iraq, was hit by a mortar May 1, 2006.
"I really enjoy it when people visit," he said. "It's just good for the patients and other people who have been here less time than me. Some of them think this really sucks and they see people come in. It really puts a sparkle in their eye, and it's nice to see."
Despite repeatedly being stopped in the halls by those wanting to meet the screen legend, Duvall also managed to visit servicemembers in the occupational therapy rooms and in Ward 57, an in patient ward housing mostly orthopedic patients. Most of the amputees are treated there.
"We have so many people coming to visit – VIPs, general officers – it just seems like sometimes people walking in off the streets to say, 'Hi,'" said Retired Army Chief Warrant Officer Dan Cordell after visiting with Duvall in his Ward 57 room. "It's nice that people care."
Cordell was injured while working as a contractor in Iraq.
Duvall played down the significance of his visit, saying it was an "honor and a privilege" to be able to talk with these "wonderful young people," and that he's impressed with the care they're receiving.
"I'm just a layman. I don't really understand the specifics of what you have here, but it seems wonderful what's being done and the treatment these people are getting," the actor said. "It's very thorough and scientific, specific, and loving at the same time."
The son of a career Navy officer, Duvall marveled at the persistence the wounded warriors displayed. "So many of these young men and women, they want to go back," he said. "They want to go back to the fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. It's amazing."
Amazing perhaps, but very telling, said Alan Geoffrion, who accompanied Duvall and his wife, Luciana Pedraza.
Geoffrion, who wrote the western novel "Broken Trail," said he and his father-in-law, both Vietnam veterans, once had doubts about an all-volunteer military.
"Last night we both ... agreed that this is probably -- well, not even probably -- this is the best military our country has ever fielded," he said. "They're brighter, smarter (and) more skilled. They need to keep them back in active duty. I think it's terrific that the services are willing to do that."
The former Navy signalman also wrote the screenplay for the television movie version of his book, which recently garnered Duvall an Emmy award for outstanding leading actor.
"I wanted to come and do this," Geoffrion said. "You come here thinking you're going to help them, and you wind up they help you a lot more."
Celebrity visits really do help the servicemembers and their families, though, Army Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch said.
Lynch spent yesterday at the hospital visiting about 50 of his wounded soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division, which he commands out of Fort Stewart, Ga. He'll soon head back to his other position as commander of Multinational Division Center in Iraq.
"I think -- and I'm a fan of Robert Duvall, as well -- when they see him on the screen and see him in person they can relate, because he's always doing action adventures," Lynch said. "At least on the screen, he's doing what we do in life. To me, it's personally inspirational that he takes the time to come and visit these great soldiers."
Duvall wrapped up his visit with a tour of the new Military Advanced Training Center, which was officially opened during a Sept. 13 ceremony.
Editor's Note: To find out about more individuals, groups and organizations that are helping support the troops, visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil. America Supports You directly connects military members to the support of the America people and offers a tool to the general public in their quest to find meaningful ways to support the military community.
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 26, 2007 - Award-winning actor Robert Duvall certainly wasn't gone in 60 seconds when he stopped at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here yesterday to visit wounded servicemembers. He did discover, however, that his 2000 movie "Gone in 60 Seconds," was a favorite with those he talked to. "What is it with that movie?" he asked after talking with several troops who said they loved the film.
"I think 'Gone in 60 Seconds' was on (Turner Network Television) the other day, so I just watched it," Army Spc. Brent Hendrix, a Walter Reed outpatient, said in providing a possible explanation.
Duvall's visit was a welcome surprise, said Hendrix, whose right leg was amputated below the knee after his Stryker combat vehicle hit a roadside bomb in Iraq's Anbar province on June 27, 2006.
"I'm all about him," he said. "Most times you sit there, and you think about celebrities, ... and you wouldn't ever think they'd come by here and see us. They really do appreciate what we do and what we continue to do."
That sentiment was echoed throughout the physical therapy room as Duvall worked his way around amid the hubbub of on-going rehabilitation sessions.
Duvall was sincere and heartfelt, said Marine Cpl. Kenny Lyon, also a Walter Reed outpatient, who lost his left leg above the knee when his operating post north of Fallujah, Iraq, was hit by a mortar May 1, 2006.
"I really enjoy it when people visit," he said. "It's just good for the patients and other people who have been here less time than me. Some of them think this really sucks and they see people come in. It really puts a sparkle in their eye, and it's nice to see."
Despite repeatedly being stopped in the halls by those wanting to meet the screen legend, Duvall also managed to visit servicemembers in the occupational therapy rooms and in Ward 57, an in patient ward housing mostly orthopedic patients. Most of the amputees are treated there.
"We have so many people coming to visit – VIPs, general officers – it just seems like sometimes people walking in off the streets to say, 'Hi,'" said Retired Army Chief Warrant Officer Dan Cordell after visiting with Duvall in his Ward 57 room. "It's nice that people care."
Cordell was injured while working as a contractor in Iraq.
Duvall played down the significance of his visit, saying it was an "honor and a privilege" to be able to talk with these "wonderful young people," and that he's impressed with the care they're receiving.
"I'm just a layman. I don't really understand the specifics of what you have here, but it seems wonderful what's being done and the treatment these people are getting," the actor said. "It's very thorough and scientific, specific, and loving at the same time."
The son of a career Navy officer, Duvall marveled at the persistence the wounded warriors displayed. "So many of these young men and women, they want to go back," he said. "They want to go back to the fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. It's amazing."
Amazing perhaps, but very telling, said Alan Geoffrion, who accompanied Duvall and his wife, Luciana Pedraza.
Geoffrion, who wrote the western novel "Broken Trail," said he and his father-in-law, both Vietnam veterans, once had doubts about an all-volunteer military.
"Last night we both ... agreed that this is probably -- well, not even probably -- this is the best military our country has ever fielded," he said. "They're brighter, smarter (and) more skilled. They need to keep them back in active duty. I think it's terrific that the services are willing to do that."
The former Navy signalman also wrote the screenplay for the television movie version of his book, which recently garnered Duvall an Emmy award for outstanding leading actor.
"I wanted to come and do this," Geoffrion said. "You come here thinking you're going to help them, and you wind up they help you a lot more."
Celebrity visits really do help the servicemembers and their families, though, Army Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch said.
Lynch spent yesterday at the hospital visiting about 50 of his wounded soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division, which he commands out of Fort Stewart, Ga. He'll soon head back to his other position as commander of Multinational Division Center in Iraq.
"I think -- and I'm a fan of Robert Duvall, as well -- when they see him on the screen and see him in person they can relate, because he's always doing action adventures," Lynch said. "At least on the screen, he's doing what we do in life. To me, it's personally inspirational that he takes the time to come and visit these great soldiers."
Duvall wrapped up his visit with a tour of the new Military Advanced Training Center, which was officially opened during a Sept. 13 ceremony.
Editor's Note: To find out about more individuals, groups and organizations that are helping support the troops, visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil. America Supports You directly connects military members to the support of the America people and offers a tool to the general public in their quest to find meaningful ways to support the military community.
750 Police Officers
Police-Writers.com is a website that lists 750 state and local police officers who have written books. The 750th law enforcement official listed was Lieutenant Lee Ballenger, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
In 1951 and at the Age of 17, Lee Ballenger enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. During his first year in the Marine Corps he trained with the 3rd Tank Battalion. Shortly after his 18th birthday, Lee Ballenger was shipped out to Korea, arriving in January 1953. After a short stint “with the 1st Reconnaissance Company, he returned to tanks in time to participate in the Nevada Cities fighting at the end of March.” Lee Ballenger continued as a tank crewman until the end of fighting in Korea. He re-enlisted in the Marine Corps and served as a military police officer until his discharge in 1957.
After his discharge Lee Ballenger began his law enforcement career with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. He retired in 1989 at the rank of Lieutenant. Lee Ballenger is the author of a two volume set on the Korean War: The Outpost War: U.S. Marine Corps in Korea, 1952 and The Final Crucible: U.S. Marines in Korea, 1953.
According to David Alperstein of Library Journal, “In his first book, Ballenger succeeds in presenting a lucid account of the 1st Marine Division in western Korea in 1952, a period of the war (June 1950-July 1953) he describes as a "stalemate" while also pointing out that 40 percent of all Marine casualties occurred after April 1952. Ballenger argues that this period is ignored by historians. This book is actually the first of a two-part set whose second volume will cover 1953 and the final bloody months of the war. The author uses the personal experiences and insights he gained while serving in the 1st Division Reconnaissance Company and the 1st Tank Battalion as well as his battalion command diaries and other sources to write a concise, readable study of what he calls the "Unknown War." The tactics and strategies used by the Marines, Chinese, and Korean (North and South) are described and analyzed. The appendixes provide a detailed list of the many hills, outposts, and military sites relevant to the 1st Division's story. The book is not meant to be a detailed historical study, but it is an intelligent look at one phase of the Korean War. Recommended for public and academic libraries, this will be of special interest to veterans and military history buffs.”
According to Roland Green, in Booklist, “In his second volume on marine operations during the Korean War's last years, Ballenger continues to be a military historian equally useful to the scholar and the casual buff. The fighting centered on outposts, as each side sought to obtain the best positions to influence the peace negotiations through numerous small operations, occasional larger ones, and many raids, patrols, and outbursts of harassing fire. Highlighted in this volume are one of the largest raids, of Ungok; the bloody ambush at Gray Rock; the long fight for a complex of outposts named after Nevada cities; and the worst battle of 1953, for Boulder City--the last marine engagement in Korea. Lee Ballenger continues to provide model accounts of small-unit actions, to enlighten readers on the value of tanks in infantry support (a high-velocity tank gun is good backup), and to be none too charitable toward what is described as the army's tendency to leave the marines holding the bag. Like its companion, The Outpost War (2000), this is a nearly indispensable Korean War history”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 750 police officers (representing 346 police departments) and their 1599 police books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
In 1951 and at the Age of 17, Lee Ballenger enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. During his first year in the Marine Corps he trained with the 3rd Tank Battalion. Shortly after his 18th birthday, Lee Ballenger was shipped out to Korea, arriving in January 1953. After a short stint “with the 1st Reconnaissance Company, he returned to tanks in time to participate in the Nevada Cities fighting at the end of March.” Lee Ballenger continued as a tank crewman until the end of fighting in Korea. He re-enlisted in the Marine Corps and served as a military police officer until his discharge in 1957.
After his discharge Lee Ballenger began his law enforcement career with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. He retired in 1989 at the rank of Lieutenant. Lee Ballenger is the author of a two volume set on the Korean War: The Outpost War: U.S. Marine Corps in Korea, 1952 and The Final Crucible: U.S. Marines in Korea, 1953.
According to David Alperstein of Library Journal, “In his first book, Ballenger succeeds in presenting a lucid account of the 1st Marine Division in western Korea in 1952, a period of the war (June 1950-July 1953) he describes as a "stalemate" while also pointing out that 40 percent of all Marine casualties occurred after April 1952. Ballenger argues that this period is ignored by historians. This book is actually the first of a two-part set whose second volume will cover 1953 and the final bloody months of the war. The author uses the personal experiences and insights he gained while serving in the 1st Division Reconnaissance Company and the 1st Tank Battalion as well as his battalion command diaries and other sources to write a concise, readable study of what he calls the "Unknown War." The tactics and strategies used by the Marines, Chinese, and Korean (North and South) are described and analyzed. The appendixes provide a detailed list of the many hills, outposts, and military sites relevant to the 1st Division's story. The book is not meant to be a detailed historical study, but it is an intelligent look at one phase of the Korean War. Recommended for public and academic libraries, this will be of special interest to veterans and military history buffs.”
According to Roland Green, in Booklist, “In his second volume on marine operations during the Korean War's last years, Ballenger continues to be a military historian equally useful to the scholar and the casual buff. The fighting centered on outposts, as each side sought to obtain the best positions to influence the peace negotiations through numerous small operations, occasional larger ones, and many raids, patrols, and outbursts of harassing fire. Highlighted in this volume are one of the largest raids, of Ungok; the bloody ambush at Gray Rock; the long fight for a complex of outposts named after Nevada cities; and the worst battle of 1953, for Boulder City--the last marine engagement in Korea. Lee Ballenger continues to provide model accounts of small-unit actions, to enlighten readers on the value of tanks in infantry support (a high-velocity tank gun is good backup), and to be none too charitable toward what is described as the army's tendency to leave the marines holding the bag. Like its companion, The Outpost War (2000), this is a nearly indispensable Korean War history”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 750 police officers (representing 346 police departments) and their 1599 police books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
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