Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Stardust Radio Interviews Member of Elite Raven Security Force
On May 27th, the United We Roll World Tour Show at Stardust Radio was host to a guest who is member of the very elite security force known as the Fly Away Ravens - a unit of the Phoenix Raven Program. Among the awards and commendations this unit has been referred to as THE BEST anti-terrorism program.
You will find this article and more real news about our troops at the follwing website: http://www.amc.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=238
U.S. Air Force Fact Sheet
PHOENIX RAVEN
Air Mobility Command's PHOENIX RAVEN program, implemented in 1997, consists of teams of specially trained security forces personnel dedicated to providing security for Air Mobility Command aircraft transiting high terrorist and criminal threat areas.
Mission
The PHOENIX RAVEN program ensures an acceptable level of close-in security for aircraft transiting airfields where security is unknown or additional security is needed to counter local threats.
Concept of Operations
Teams of two to six specially trained and equipped security forces personnel deploy as aircrew members on AMC missions as designated by the AMC Threat Working Group. The RAVEN teams help detect, deter and counter threats to AMC aircraft by performing close-in aircraft security; advising aircrews on force protection measures; conducting airfield assessments; and assisting aircrews in the performance of their duties when not performing their primary security duties. PHOENIX RAVEN teams work on all types of AMC airlift missions including theater support missions, contingencies, exercises and deployments. Other Air Force major commands, including Air Force Special Operations Command, Air Combat Command, Air Education and Training Command, Pacific Air Forces and U.S. Air Forces in Europe have sent a select number of security force members to AMC's PHOENIX RAVEN training course. In addition to those missions specifically identified by the AMC/TWG, wing commanders may also direct PHOENIX RAVEN teams to accompany home-station airlift and tanker missions. Ultimately, however, a PHOENIX RAVEN team on an airlift mission are assigned aircrew members and report to the aircraft commander.
Organization
The Headquarters AMC/A7F Chief, Security Forces, is the focal point for all PHOENIX RAVEN operations supporting AMC airlift operations. On behalf of AMC/A7F, a PHOENIX RAVEN Program Manager serves within the staff as the interface between the headquarters and units. In addition to the RAVEN Program Manager, the AMC/A7F Contingency Branch coordinates with other major commands and Air Reserve Component Security Forces to ensure RAVEN-trained personnel are available at overseas en route locations to support AMC missions unexpectedly diverted.
AMC has more than 200, active-duty RAVEN-trained security forces members assigned at major AMC bases nationwide. Besides active-duty, the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard also maintain RAVEN-trained personnel to support their significant contribution to the airlift missions throughout the world.
Training
The PHOENIX RAVEN training course is conducted by the United States Air Force Expeditionary Center at Fort Dix, N.J. The intensive two-week, 12-hour-a-day course covers such subjects as cross-cultural awareness, legal considerations, embassy operations, airfield survey techniques, explosive ordnance awareness, aircraft searches, and unarmed self-defense techniques. Students are exposed to more than 70 use-of-force scenarios where stress is simulated through the use of role players. Training includes instruction and realistic practical exercises in Verbal Judo, Defensive Tactics, Armament Systems and Procedures Baton training, and advanced firearms training. As a result of the terrorist attacks against the United States on Sept. 11, 2001, PHOENIX RAVEN candidates are instructed on anti-hijacking duty in cooperation with the Federal Air Marshal program. Utilizing the latest in proven technologies and methods from lessons learned and from other agencies, the qualification course is constantly updated to provide the best training possible. PHOENIX RAVEN training is designed to provide security forces members with the skills required for their unique mission and builds on the basic security force skills taught at the Security Forces Academy at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.
After course completion, unit program managers sustain a high level of preparedness for the RAVENS through intense physical training, realistic use-of-force scenarios, plus written and practical evaluations. Additional courses in geographic/cultural orientation offered by the Air Force Special Operations Command are provided to increase members' awareness of cultural areas they frequently transit on missions. Combat survival and additional aircrew-specific training have been recently added to meet theater aircrew requirements.
The first RAVENS graduated in February 1997. Since then, more than 1,200 Air Force security forces have graduated from the PHOENIX RAVEN Course. Graduates from the course also include members of the Army, Navy, Coast Guard and Federal Air Marshal Service. Upon graduation, Air Force RAVENs are issued a lifetime numeric identifier for their accomplishment. In addition, the identifier eases manpower and operational tracking requirements within AMC.
Recognition
The USS Cole Commission panel recognized the PHOENIX RAVEN program as the best antiterrorism program and recommended that other Department of Defense agencies benchmark its success. PHOENIX RAVEN presentations have been given to the Chief of Naval Operations, Air Force Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet and Defense Attaché Office, Pentagon.
The PHOENIX RAVEN program has been recognized for its innovative approach to force protection. In 1999, the program earned honors as DoD's Most Outstanding Antiterrorism Innovation or Action in the command category. The program also received the Federal Executive Board (St. Louis Chapter) Year 2000 Team Performance Award. In addition to program management awards, four members assigned to the AMC/A7F Security Forces Operations Division have been awarded the Air Force's Outstanding Intelligence Contributor Award.
You will find this article and more real news about our troops at the follwing website: http://www.amc.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=238
U.S. Air Force Fact Sheet
PHOENIX RAVEN
Air Mobility Command's PHOENIX RAVEN program, implemented in 1997, consists of teams of specially trained security forces personnel dedicated to providing security for Air Mobility Command aircraft transiting high terrorist and criminal threat areas.
Mission
The PHOENIX RAVEN program ensures an acceptable level of close-in security for aircraft transiting airfields where security is unknown or additional security is needed to counter local threats.
Concept of Operations
Teams of two to six specially trained and equipped security forces personnel deploy as aircrew members on AMC missions as designated by the AMC Threat Working Group. The RAVEN teams help detect, deter and counter threats to AMC aircraft by performing close-in aircraft security; advising aircrews on force protection measures; conducting airfield assessments; and assisting aircrews in the performance of their duties when not performing their primary security duties. PHOENIX RAVEN teams work on all types of AMC airlift missions including theater support missions, contingencies, exercises and deployments. Other Air Force major commands, including Air Force Special Operations Command, Air Combat Command, Air Education and Training Command, Pacific Air Forces and U.S. Air Forces in Europe have sent a select number of security force members to AMC's PHOENIX RAVEN training course. In addition to those missions specifically identified by the AMC/TWG, wing commanders may also direct PHOENIX RAVEN teams to accompany home-station airlift and tanker missions. Ultimately, however, a PHOENIX RAVEN team on an airlift mission are assigned aircrew members and report to the aircraft commander.
Organization
The Headquarters AMC/A7F Chief, Security Forces, is the focal point for all PHOENIX RAVEN operations supporting AMC airlift operations. On behalf of AMC/A7F, a PHOENIX RAVEN Program Manager serves within the staff as the interface between the headquarters and units. In addition to the RAVEN Program Manager, the AMC/A7F Contingency Branch coordinates with other major commands and Air Reserve Component Security Forces to ensure RAVEN-trained personnel are available at overseas en route locations to support AMC missions unexpectedly diverted.
AMC has more than 200, active-duty RAVEN-trained security forces members assigned at major AMC bases nationwide. Besides active-duty, the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard also maintain RAVEN-trained personnel to support their significant contribution to the airlift missions throughout the world.
Training
The PHOENIX RAVEN training course is conducted by the United States Air Force Expeditionary Center at Fort Dix, N.J. The intensive two-week, 12-hour-a-day course covers such subjects as cross-cultural awareness, legal considerations, embassy operations, airfield survey techniques, explosive ordnance awareness, aircraft searches, and unarmed self-defense techniques. Students are exposed to more than 70 use-of-force scenarios where stress is simulated through the use of role players. Training includes instruction and realistic practical exercises in Verbal Judo, Defensive Tactics, Armament Systems and Procedures Baton training, and advanced firearms training. As a result of the terrorist attacks against the United States on Sept. 11, 2001, PHOENIX RAVEN candidates are instructed on anti-hijacking duty in cooperation with the Federal Air Marshal program. Utilizing the latest in proven technologies and methods from lessons learned and from other agencies, the qualification course is constantly updated to provide the best training possible. PHOENIX RAVEN training is designed to provide security forces members with the skills required for their unique mission and builds on the basic security force skills taught at the Security Forces Academy at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.
After course completion, unit program managers sustain a high level of preparedness for the RAVENS through intense physical training, realistic use-of-force scenarios, plus written and practical evaluations. Additional courses in geographic/cultural orientation offered by the Air Force Special Operations Command are provided to increase members' awareness of cultural areas they frequently transit on missions. Combat survival and additional aircrew-specific training have been recently added to meet theater aircrew requirements.
The first RAVENS graduated in February 1997. Since then, more than 1,200 Air Force security forces have graduated from the PHOENIX RAVEN Course. Graduates from the course also include members of the Army, Navy, Coast Guard and Federal Air Marshal Service. Upon graduation, Air Force RAVENs are issued a lifetime numeric identifier for their accomplishment. In addition, the identifier eases manpower and operational tracking requirements within AMC.
Recognition
The USS Cole Commission panel recognized the PHOENIX RAVEN program as the best antiterrorism program and recommended that other Department of Defense agencies benchmark its success. PHOENIX RAVEN presentations have been given to the Chief of Naval Operations, Air Force Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet and Defense Attaché Office, Pentagon.
The PHOENIX RAVEN program has been recognized for its innovative approach to force protection. In 1999, the program earned honors as DoD's Most Outstanding Antiterrorism Innovation or Action in the command category. The program also received the Federal Executive Board (St. Louis Chapter) Year 2000 Team Performance Award. In addition to program management awards, four members assigned to the AMC/A7F Security Forces Operations Division have been awarded the Air Force's Outstanding Intelligence Contributor Award.
Memorial Day Morning at Bagram Air Base
You will find this post and many other beautifully written articles & incredible photos at Michael Yon's online journal - real news as it happens in real time with our troops. http://www.michaelyon-online.com/
Michael Yon on Memorial Day
http://www.michaelyon-online.com/
Afghanistan
This morning at 0600, we paid final respects to SPC David Lee Leimbach, a Taylor, South Carolina, National Guard soldier killed yesterday in the mountains of Afghanistan.
Just before 0500, an announcement came across the Bagram Airfield PA system for everyone to dress in their combat uniforms and assemble along the road which cuts through the middle of Bagram Air Base.
Little by little, troops from all services and many coalition countries began lining the main street of the base. They stood literally shoulder to shoulder on both sides of the road for nearly a mile.
At about 0530, a USAF C-17 landed (ironically from Charleston, SC), taxied, pulled into a space in front of the formed troops, turning its tail towards them. The ramp dropped, the engines shut down, the crew disembarked and lined up in front of the plane. All down the flight line, warriors stood at parade rest; talking and whispering stopped.
At 0600 on this bright, sunny day, the vehicle bearing the casket, having completed its drive from the mortuary to the airfield, turned onto the airfield. A single soldier walked in front of the vehicle to lead the way.
Along the road leading to the airfield, the troops that lined the road were standing at attention and saluting. On the airfield you could only hear the birds flitting around. In the distance were the sounds of aircraft flying their missions.
Now, the troops on the airfield came to attention and saluted as a bagpipe played Amazing Grace. The color guard moved into position, and those of us assembled near the plane came to attention and saluted.
Two cameramen ran ahead of the vehicle, recording the entire procession, and now the unloading and movement of the casket.
The casket, carried by soldiers of the unit, moved forward to the plane. The band played My Country, Tis of Thee. The casket was loaded on the plane, the senior personnel present (to include five general officers) walked onto the plane behind the casket, and final prayers and remarks were made, then those leaders and casket bearers disembarked.
As the assembled began to move from the site, the crew embarked, the ramp closed, the C-17 taxied and took off, and the fight continued.
I hope the family of this warrior knows that we loved him, too.
From every mountain side, let freedom ring!
Michael Yon on Memorial Day
http://www.michaelyon-online.com/
Afghanistan
This morning at 0600, we paid final respects to SPC David Lee Leimbach, a Taylor, South Carolina, National Guard soldier killed yesterday in the mountains of Afghanistan.
Just before 0500, an announcement came across the Bagram Airfield PA system for everyone to dress in their combat uniforms and assemble along the road which cuts through the middle of Bagram Air Base.
Little by little, troops from all services and many coalition countries began lining the main street of the base. They stood literally shoulder to shoulder on both sides of the road for nearly a mile.
At about 0530, a USAF C-17 landed (ironically from Charleston, SC), taxied, pulled into a space in front of the formed troops, turning its tail towards them. The ramp dropped, the engines shut down, the crew disembarked and lined up in front of the plane. All down the flight line, warriors stood at parade rest; talking and whispering stopped.
At 0600 on this bright, sunny day, the vehicle bearing the casket, having completed its drive from the mortuary to the airfield, turned onto the airfield. A single soldier walked in front of the vehicle to lead the way.
Along the road leading to the airfield, the troops that lined the road were standing at attention and saluting. On the airfield you could only hear the birds flitting around. In the distance were the sounds of aircraft flying their missions.
Now, the troops on the airfield came to attention and saluted as a bagpipe played Amazing Grace. The color guard moved into position, and those of us assembled near the plane came to attention and saluted.
Two cameramen ran ahead of the vehicle, recording the entire procession, and now the unloading and movement of the casket.
The casket, carried by soldiers of the unit, moved forward to the plane. The band played My Country, Tis of Thee. The casket was loaded on the plane, the senior personnel present (to include five general officers) walked onto the plane behind the casket, and final prayers and remarks were made, then those leaders and casket bearers disembarked.
As the assembled began to move from the site, the crew embarked, the ramp closed, the C-17 taxied and took off, and the fight continued.
I hope the family of this warrior knows that we loved him, too.
From every mountain side, let freedom ring!
Airmen MIA from Vietnam War Come Home
Air Force Retiree Service (AFRS) - Release No. 05-07-08
May 27, 2008
Airmen MIA from Vietnam War Are Identified
WASHINGTON (AFRNS) – Officials from the Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced May 27 that the remains of four U.S. Airmen, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and will be returned to their families for burial with full military honors.
They are Maj. Barclay B. Young, of Hartford, Conn.; and Senior Master Sgt. James K. Caniford, of Brunswick, Md. The names of the two others are being withheld at the request of their families. All men were U.S. Air Force. Sergeant Caniford will be buried May 28 in Arlington National Cemetery, and Major Young's burial date is being set by his family.
Remains that could not be individually identified are included in a group which will be buried together in Arlington. Among the group remains is Air Force Lt. Col. Henry P. Brauner of Franklin Park, N.J., whose identification tag was recovered at the crash site.
On March 29, 1972, 14 men were aboard an AC-130A Spectre gunship that took off from Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, on an armed reconnaissance mission over southern Laos. The aircraft was struck by an enemy surface-to-air missile and crashed. Search and rescue efforts were stopped after a few days because of heavy enemy activity in the area.
In 1986, joint U.S.-Lao People's Democratic Republic teams, lead by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, surveyed and excavated the crash site in Savannakhet Province, Laos. The team recovered human remains and other evidence including two identification tags, life-support items and aircraft wreckage. From 1986 to 1988, the remains were identified as those of nine men from this crew.
Between 2005 and 2006, joint teams resurveyed the crash site and excavated it twice. The teams found more human remains, personal effects and crew-related equipment. As a result, JPAC identified Major Young, Sergeant Caniford and the other crewmen using forensic identification tools, circumstantial evidence, mitochondrial DNA and dental comparisons. (Courtesy of the DoD News Service)
United We Roll World Tour Show Tuesday 5/27/08
Stardust Radio
Bringing News From Our Troops
Sending Voices of Support To Our Troops
United We Roll World Tour Show
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
2pm-4pm Central Time
On the heels of Memorial Day weekend, we will have yet another show to highlight some of the many efforts that our military members are making to ensure our security both here at home and for those in Iraq & Afghanistan.
On our show scheduled for Tuesday, May 27th, we have three guests who are currently deployed in the MidEast and who will share some very interesting information with us. We will also be sharing some songs from one of our Stardust Family members – Aubrey Ray Hobson - and also a new song by his son & granddaughter, Sgt Brian Hobson & his daughter Selika.
Our first guest is the Commander of the 755th Air Expeditionary Group, Col Huizenga. Unlike most Air Force units, this group has little to do with actual air operations as these folks are known as ILO – “in lieu of” – as they take on duties in support roles with units around the countries.
Secondly, we will hear from Capt Fiscus, who is a Physicians Assistant and who is working in conjunction with many other agencies, including some from other countries, to establish a healthcare facility in an area of Afghanistan where women dying while giving birth is an all too common occurrence, among other health & survival issues.
Our third guest is a member of a very elite security force, which has been commended by the USS Cole Commission Panel as THE BEST in anti-terrorism efforts. This Raven will tell us a bit about what it is like to be a member of this unique group.
As a reminder, this show will play again on Thursday evening and Saturday morning and will be available on the Stardust Radio website for 30 days for listening and downloading. Follow-up information will also be in our United We Roll Blog at www.stardustradio.com. Thank You! God Bless America!
Bringing News From Our Troops
Sending Voices of Support To Our Troops
United We Roll World Tour Show
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
2pm-4pm Central Time
On the heels of Memorial Day weekend, we will have yet another show to highlight some of the many efforts that our military members are making to ensure our security both here at home and for those in Iraq & Afghanistan.
On our show scheduled for Tuesday, May 27th, we have three guests who are currently deployed in the MidEast and who will share some very interesting information with us. We will also be sharing some songs from one of our Stardust Family members – Aubrey Ray Hobson - and also a new song by his son & granddaughter, Sgt Brian Hobson & his daughter Selika.
Our first guest is the Commander of the 755th Air Expeditionary Group, Col Huizenga. Unlike most Air Force units, this group has little to do with actual air operations as these folks are known as ILO – “in lieu of” – as they take on duties in support roles with units around the countries.
Secondly, we will hear from Capt Fiscus, who is a Physicians Assistant and who is working in conjunction with many other agencies, including some from other countries, to establish a healthcare facility in an area of Afghanistan where women dying while giving birth is an all too common occurrence, among other health & survival issues.
Our third guest is a member of a very elite security force, which has been commended by the USS Cole Commission Panel as THE BEST in anti-terrorism efforts. This Raven will tell us a bit about what it is like to be a member of this unique group.
As a reminder, this show will play again on Thursday evening and Saturday morning and will be available on the Stardust Radio website for 30 days for listening and downloading. Follow-up information will also be in our United We Roll Blog at www.stardustradio.com. Thank You! God Bless America!
Monday, May 26, 2008
Yesteryear
I received this in an email today and wish the author's name was included so we could thank him or her:
Long ago and far away, in a land that time forgot,
Before the days of Dylan, or the dawn of Camelot.
There lived a Race of innocents, and they were you and me,
For Ike was in the White House in that Land where we were born,
Where navels were for oranges, and Peyton Place was porn.
We learned to gut a muffler, we washed our hair at dawn,
We spread our crinolines to dry in circles on the lawn.
We longed for love and romance, and waited for our Prince,
And Eddie Fisher married Liz, and no one's seen him since.
We danced to 'Little Darlin,' and sang to 'Stagger Lee'
And cried for Buddy Holly in the Land That Made Me Me.
Only girls wore earrings then, and 3 was one too many,
And only boys wore flat-top cuts, except for Jean McKinney.
And only in our wildest dreams did we expect to see
A boy named George with Lipstick, in the Land That Made Me Me.
We fell for Frankie Avalon, Annette was oh, so nice,
And when they made a movie, they never made it twice.
We didn't have a Star Trek Five, or Psycho Two and Three,
Or Rocky-Rambo Twenty in the Land That Made Me Me.
Miss Kitty had a heart of gold, and Chester had a limp,
And Reagan was a Democrat whose co-star was a chimp.
We had a Mr. Wizard, but not a Mr. T,
And Oprah couldn't talk, yet, in the Land That Made Me Me.
We had our share of heroes, we never thought they'd go,
At least not Bobby Darin, or Marilyn Monroe.
For youth was still eternal, and life was yet to be,
And Elvis was forever in the Land That Made me Me.
We'd never seen the rock band that was Grateful to be Dead,
And Airplanes weren't named Jefferson, and Zeppelins were not Led.
And Beatles lived in gardens then, and Monkeys lived in trees,
Madonna was a virgin in the Land That Made Me Me.
We'd never heard of microwaves, or telephones in cars,
And babies might be bottle-fed, but they weren't grown in jars.
And pumping iron got wrinkles out, and 'gay' meant fancy-free,
And dorms were never coed in the Land That Made Me Me.
We hadn't seen enough of jets to talk about the lag,
And microchips were what was left at the bottom of the bag.
And Hardware was a box of nails, and bytes came from a flea,
And rocket ships were fiction in the Land That Made Me Me.
Buicks came with portholes, and side shows came with freaks,
And bathing suits came big enough to cover both your cheeks.
And Coke came just in bottles, and skirts below the knee,
And Castro came to power near the Land That Made Me Me.
We had no Crest with Fluoride, we had no Hill Street Blues,
We had no patterned pantyhose or Lipton herbal tea
Or prime-time ads for condoms in the Land That Made Me Me.
There were no golden arches, no Perrier to chill,
And fish were not called Wanda, and cats were not called Bill.
And middle-aged was 35 and old was 43,
And ancient were our parents in the Land That Made Me Me.
But all things have a season, or so we've heard them say,
And now instead of Maybelline we swear by Retin-A.
They send us invitations to join AARP,
We've come a long way, baby, from the Land That Made Me Me.
So now we face a brave new world in slightly larger jeans,
And wonder why they're using smaller print in magazines.
And we tell our children's children of the way it used to be,
Long ago and far away in the Land That Made Me Me.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Memorial Day Poppy
"In Flanders Fields" written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae of the Canadian Forces
In Flanders Fields
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Each year around Memorial Day, Veterans of Foreign Wars members and American Legion Auxiliary volunteers distribute millions of bright red poppies in exchange for contributions to assist disabled and hospitalized veterans. The program provides multiple benefits to the veterans and to the community. The hospitalized veterans who make the flowers are able to earn a small wage, which helps to supplement their incomes and makes them feel more self-sufficient. The physical and mental activity provides many therapeutic benefits as well. Donations are used exclusively to assist and support veterans and their families. The poppy also reminds the community of the past sacrifices and continuing needs of our veterans. The poppy has become a nationally known and recognized symbol of sacrifice and is worn to honor the men and women who served and died for their country in all wars.
For a history on The Poppy and more information,
visit the website at http://www.cal-mum.com:80/poppy.htm
Friday, May 23, 2008
Stardust Radio Live On Memorial Day
Bringing News Home From Our Deployed Troops
Sending Voices of Support from Home To Our Troops
Memorial Day In Waterloo, New York
Stardust Radio Network is proud to bring two of the network’s regular shows together in a special effort to reach across the globe from Waterloo, NY to the MidEast on this Memorial Day weekend, so that Americans at home can speak directly with deployed troops and express appreciation to these military members for their service. Hosts Gene Simes and Jere Berry of the VFVC show will be on the ground in Waterloo, NY while hosts Judi & Jeff of the United We Roll World Tour Show will be on the phone from the studios in Iowa and Florida, arranging the connections with our troops a world away. The broadcast of this event can be heard in the park in Waterloo, NY and on Stardust Radio at www.stardustradio.com or locally in Riverside, Iowa on 1690AM. This special broadcast on Stardust Radio will begin at 10:30am Eastern time / 9:30am Central time on Saturday 5/24/08 and again on Sunday 5/25/08.
*Tune in every Tuesday between 2pm and 4pm Central time for the United We Roll World Tour Show to hear interviews with our deployed military members and real news both from and about our Heroes of Freedom, their families & Veterans. Call in toll free 877-213-4329.
Memorial Day With ARMAD & Stardust Radio
On Saturday 5/24, ARMAD (www.armad.net) will hold their annual Military Appreciation Day from 10am to 4pm Eastern time. This has become a very big event in Indiana and has sister groups that have sprung up around the country. This event will be attended by military units in addition to many civilian officials, celebrities, community members, families and media. Amateur Radio Operators will be setup to send messages around the world, including to/from troops and families. Stardust Radio is participating this year through the addition of a Chat Star room for ARMAD. This will allow family members and/or troops who can not physically attend the event in Indiana, to still attend thru Chat Star and to give messages for the radio operators to send on to troops around the world.
Sending Voices of Support from Home To Our Troops
Memorial Day In Waterloo, New York
Stardust Radio Network is proud to bring two of the network’s regular shows together in a special effort to reach across the globe from Waterloo, NY to the MidEast on this Memorial Day weekend, so that Americans at home can speak directly with deployed troops and express appreciation to these military members for their service. Hosts Gene Simes and Jere Berry of the VFVC show will be on the ground in Waterloo, NY while hosts Judi & Jeff of the United We Roll World Tour Show will be on the phone from the studios in Iowa and Florida, arranging the connections with our troops a world away. The broadcast of this event can be heard in the park in Waterloo, NY and on Stardust Radio at www.stardustradio.com or locally in Riverside, Iowa on 1690AM. This special broadcast on Stardust Radio will begin at 10:30am Eastern time / 9:30am Central time on Saturday 5/24/08 and again on Sunday 5/25/08.
*Tune in every Tuesday between 2pm and 4pm Central time for the United We Roll World Tour Show to hear interviews with our deployed military members and real news both from and about our Heroes of Freedom, their families & Veterans. Call in toll free 877-213-4329.
Memorial Day With ARMAD & Stardust Radio
On Saturday 5/24, ARMAD (www.armad.net) will hold their annual Military Appreciation Day from 10am to 4pm Eastern time. This has become a very big event in Indiana and has sister groups that have sprung up around the country. This event will be attended by military units in addition to many civilian officials, celebrities, community members, families and media. Amateur Radio Operators will be setup to send messages around the world, including to/from troops and families. Stardust Radio is participating this year through the addition of a Chat Star room for ARMAD. This will allow family members and/or troops who can not physically attend the event in Indiana, to still attend thru Chat Star and to give messages for the radio operators to send on to troops around the world.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Operation Comfort Provides Trained Counselors To Troops & Families Free of Charge
A group of trained mental health professionals and therapists are gathering under the group name of Operation Comfort to offer free help to our troops and families as stated below. For more information, visit the Operation Comfort website at www.operationcomfort.com
Our mission is to create a nationwide network of mental health providers and agencies to donate their services, free of charge, to family members who have a loved one serving in the Middle East.
Our sole purpose is to provide emotional and psychological support to military families, regardless of ethnic background, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, economic status, or political stance.
Operation Comfort will allow therapists the opportunity to be of service to a population in great need of support. At this time, the families of soldiers are a unique and diverse community, all struggling with similar concerns, anxieties, and life stressors. Operation Comfort is an inclusive organization of psychologists, marriage and family therapists, licensed professional counselors, and social workers, all of whom are donating their time and expertise to provide meaning, understanding, and comfort. Therapists and family members alike, are invited to participate in this collaborative effort to maintain community and connection in this time of uncertainty and heartache.
Phase One has been the creation of a network to assist families in uniform cope and manage their lives more effectively.
Phase Two is our commitment to continue working, free of charge, with our troops and their families throughout this process of reintegrating into their communities and homes. There is pending legislation to support our troops with homecoming parades, but the reality is that many returning soldiers will be dealing with issues stemming from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Operation Comfort will provide individual psychotherapy, marital counseling, critical debriefing and family therapy for military families.
Our mission is to create a nationwide network of mental health providers and agencies to donate their services, free of charge, to family members who have a loved one serving in the Middle East.
Our sole purpose is to provide emotional and psychological support to military families, regardless of ethnic background, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, economic status, or political stance.
Operation Comfort will allow therapists the opportunity to be of service to a population in great need of support. At this time, the families of soldiers are a unique and diverse community, all struggling with similar concerns, anxieties, and life stressors. Operation Comfort is an inclusive organization of psychologists, marriage and family therapists, licensed professional counselors, and social workers, all of whom are donating their time and expertise to provide meaning, understanding, and comfort. Therapists and family members alike, are invited to participate in this collaborative effort to maintain community and connection in this time of uncertainty and heartache.
Phase One has been the creation of a network to assist families in uniform cope and manage their lives more effectively.
Phase Two is our commitment to continue working, free of charge, with our troops and their families throughout this process of reintegrating into their communities and homes. There is pending legislation to support our troops with homecoming parades, but the reality is that many returning soldiers will be dealing with issues stemming from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Operation Comfort will provide individual psychotherapy, marital counseling, critical debriefing and family therapy for military families.
Listen Live To Shows On Stardust Radio Through Your Computer
Enjoy live shows on Stardust Radio with your computer. Consider joining Chat Star and using all the features it offers.
How To listen to Stardust Radio:
Go to our website at www.stardustradio.com
1) Simple Audio - If you do not have Live 365 radio, you can go to the upper right corner on the main page where the photo of the microphone is and click on the statement below it if you have realplayer or Winamp.
2) Simple Audio with Live 365 - If you have a membership with Live 365 Radio or would like to try it, you can click on the Listen button
3) Interactive Chat Star Auditorium - If you wish to join the Virtual Auditorium during the live airing of United We Roll World Tour, scroll down a short way until you see the gold and white box labeled "Chat Star". Click on that box and you will see two boxes - one for members to click and one for non-members to click. If you are a member, click on the member box to enter Chat Star.
If you are a non-member, click on the non-member box. You will see a box to click on for a very short download (this is a safe download and is for the software to use the room, only). You will then be asked to give a login name and password. Once you have done this, you will enter the Chat Star Community.
The rooms for the various shows and Chat Star members are listed on the left side. Click on the Room Name (United We Roll World Tour, SVR, etc.) and you will be brought into the room as a participant.
NOTE: The virtual auditorium is only active during the live show hours.
You can interact with the hosts and other participants by typing your questions/comments into the communication screen. To do this, place your cursor into the narrow rectangular box located about midway on the screen. (Three boxes are on one side for typed communications - top is for all communications, middle is your box to type your comments, bottom is to list all attendants in the auditorium. Type your comment(s) into your middle rectangular box, then hit enter to move your comment into the top communication screen. The other side has one large box for videos and photos.
The mic is usually not active during a show. This feature is generally used when the room is being used for a meeting, seminar or such that requires more voice communications among the participants and leaders.
We hope you enjoy the show! Please feel free to sign our guest book on our website. Your feedback is very important to us.
As a reminder, taped versions of our shows are on our website for approximately 30 days after the live air date and they can also be downloaded.
How To listen to Stardust Radio:
Go to our website at www.stardustradio.com
1) Simple Audio - If you do not have Live 365 radio, you can go to the upper right corner on the main page where the photo of the microphone is and click on the statement below it if you have realplayer or Winamp.
2) Simple Audio with Live 365 - If you have a membership with Live 365 Radio or would like to try it, you can click on the Listen button
3) Interactive Chat Star Auditorium - If you wish to join the Virtual Auditorium during the live airing of United We Roll World Tour, scroll down a short way until you see the gold and white box labeled "Chat Star". Click on that box and you will see two boxes - one for members to click and one for non-members to click. If you are a member, click on the member box to enter Chat Star.
If you are a non-member, click on the non-member box. You will see a box to click on for a very short download (this is a safe download and is for the software to use the room, only). You will then be asked to give a login name and password. Once you have done this, you will enter the Chat Star Community.
The rooms for the various shows and Chat Star members are listed on the left side. Click on the Room Name (United We Roll World Tour, SVR, etc.) and you will be brought into the room as a participant.
NOTE: The virtual auditorium is only active during the live show hours.
You can interact with the hosts and other participants by typing your questions/comments into the communication screen. To do this, place your cursor into the narrow rectangular box located about midway on the screen. (Three boxes are on one side for typed communications - top is for all communications, middle is your box to type your comments, bottom is to list all attendants in the auditorium. Type your comment(s) into your middle rectangular box, then hit enter to move your comment into the top communication screen. The other side has one large box for videos and photos.
The mic is usually not active during a show. This feature is generally used when the room is being used for a meeting, seminar or such that requires more voice communications among the participants and leaders.
We hope you enjoy the show! Please feel free to sign our guest book on our website. Your feedback is very important to us.
As a reminder, taped versions of our shows are on our website for approximately 30 days after the live air date and they can also be downloaded.
Stardust Radio Brings News From Our Deployed Troops Weekly
The United We Roll World Tour Show on Stardust Radio has been hosting interviews with our deployed troops on a weekly basis and has had to shift the start time of the show from 3pm Central to 2pm Central to assist in the time difference between the US and the MidEast. In some cases, the show has also been extended to accomodate the number and/or length of the interviews for that week. An example of the show content is listed below.
This live show is scheduled to air on Tuesday afternoons from 2pm - 4pm Central time. The taped version of the show is then broadcast again the following Thursday evening and Saturday morning. It is also placed on the Stardust Radio website at www.stardustradio.com for approximately 30 days for listening and downloading.
STARDUST RADIO
UNITED WE ROLL WORLD TOUR SHOW
TUESDAY 5/13/08
If you have been listening to our show lately, you are aware that our interviews with deployed members have increased in numbers to the point that we have had to change the start time of our show from 3:00pm to 2:00pm Central time. This makes it easier for some of our deployed members to handle the time difference from the MidEast to the USA and it gives us plenty of time to extend the show if we have several interviews as has been the case with some shows.
On April 22nd, we announced the news that One Million air sorties had been flown in the Global War on Terrorism. In that show, we had interviews with pilots of a C-130, a B-1 Bomber, a U-2 and an A-10 “Warthog”. The following show we talked with the ground crews for each of these planes and what it took to keep them in the air. On May 6th, we talked with Lt Col Brill, an Air Force pilot who had just reached 6,000 hours of flight time in the F-16 fighter jet. And that is just the last couple of weeks. We have brought stories such as a young Iraqi boy who was badly burned in a kitchen fire, but the efforts of deployed Americans brought him to the USA where he is undergoing treatments in a Shriners’ Hospital and so many more stories and news.
As we are in the midst of May – the official Military Appreciation Month – there is not a better time to talk about the many kinds of support for our troops and today we will be talking with members who are deployed specifically to provide support to other deployed men and women.
We will be hearing first from Army Chaplain (CPT) Javon Seaborn - who is currently deployed in the Mideast and who is reaching us through our connection with DVIDSHub.net. As a Chaplain, his responsibility is not only to support the religious care of our troops, but also to offer personal care and counseling as well as to help with overall morale & welfare.
Then we will change forces from Army to Air Force as we will be talking with another deployed member who is also very involved in the support of our troops’ morale through faith and counseling – we will be joined by
Rabbi (CPT.) Raphael Berdugo
Next, we will shift our tone a bit as we talk to some Air Force Band members whose job it is to bring entertainment and smiles to our deployed men and women, who certainly deserve some time to relax and enjoy themselves in the company of these extremely talented and versatile musicians and vocalists.
We encourage each and every American to take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way to thank a military member, to stand up and speak out for the support of our military members & Veterans – not just during the month of May – but every day of every month throughout the year. And we ask you all to please take note of any military families in your neighborhood who may have a deployed member and to stop by to say Hi – to offer a helping hand if one is needed in any way – and to let the family know that their neighbors are eager to help, eager to support and appreciate all that the family & their loved one do on behalf of our freedom.
Thank You! God Bless Our Troops! God Bless America!
This live show is scheduled to air on Tuesday afternoons from 2pm - 4pm Central time. The taped version of the show is then broadcast again the following Thursday evening and Saturday morning. It is also placed on the Stardust Radio website at www.stardustradio.com for approximately 30 days for listening and downloading.
STARDUST RADIO
UNITED WE ROLL WORLD TOUR SHOW
TUESDAY 5/13/08
If you have been listening to our show lately, you are aware that our interviews with deployed members have increased in numbers to the point that we have had to change the start time of our show from 3:00pm to 2:00pm Central time. This makes it easier for some of our deployed members to handle the time difference from the MidEast to the USA and it gives us plenty of time to extend the show if we have several interviews as has been the case with some shows.
On April 22nd, we announced the news that One Million air sorties had been flown in the Global War on Terrorism. In that show, we had interviews with pilots of a C-130, a B-1 Bomber, a U-2 and an A-10 “Warthog”. The following show we talked with the ground crews for each of these planes and what it took to keep them in the air. On May 6th, we talked with Lt Col Brill, an Air Force pilot who had just reached 6,000 hours of flight time in the F-16 fighter jet. And that is just the last couple of weeks. We have brought stories such as a young Iraqi boy who was badly burned in a kitchen fire, but the efforts of deployed Americans brought him to the USA where he is undergoing treatments in a Shriners’ Hospital and so many more stories and news.
As we are in the midst of May – the official Military Appreciation Month – there is not a better time to talk about the many kinds of support for our troops and today we will be talking with members who are deployed specifically to provide support to other deployed men and women.
We will be hearing first from Army Chaplain (CPT) Javon Seaborn - who is currently deployed in the Mideast and who is reaching us through our connection with DVIDSHub.net. As a Chaplain, his responsibility is not only to support the religious care of our troops, but also to offer personal care and counseling as well as to help with overall morale & welfare.
Then we will change forces from Army to Air Force as we will be talking with another deployed member who is also very involved in the support of our troops’ morale through faith and counseling – we will be joined by
Rabbi (CPT.) Raphael Berdugo
Next, we will shift our tone a bit as we talk to some Air Force Band members whose job it is to bring entertainment and smiles to our deployed men and women, who certainly deserve some time to relax and enjoy themselves in the company of these extremely talented and versatile musicians and vocalists.
We encourage each and every American to take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way to thank a military member, to stand up and speak out for the support of our military members & Veterans – not just during the month of May – but every day of every month throughout the year. And we ask you all to please take note of any military families in your neighborhood who may have a deployed member and to stop by to say Hi – to offer a helping hand if one is needed in any way – and to let the family know that their neighbors are eager to help, eager to support and appreciate all that the family & their loved one do on behalf of our freedom.
Thank You! God Bless Our Troops! God Bless America!
Sen Akaka On VA Employee Suggestion To Misdiagnose PTSD
AKAKA CALLS VA EMPLOYEE’S SUGGESTION TO MISDIAGNOSE VETERANS DISTURBING AND DISAPPOINTING
Calls for Inspector General investigation and renewed guidelines for PTSD
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, issued the following statement this morning regarding an email sent by a Department of Veterans Affairs employee suggesting that in order to save time and resources, VA should avoid diagnosing veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The email was sent by a mental health professional at the Temple, Texas Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and suggested that the facility’s mental health staff should stop diagnosing veterans with PTSD.
“This incident is both disturbing and disappointing, and provides further evidence that VA’s mental health program requires significant attention,” said Akaka. “I have asked VA’s Inspector General to review diagnosis patterns at the facility involved as well as any benefits decisions based on diagnoses from that facility. I am also calling on VA Secretary Peake to provide renewed guidelines to all VA field offices on the proper diagnosis and treatment of PTSD and on handling claims for compensation for PTSD.”
Psychological war wounds are difficult to diagnose and harder still to heal, but they are no less real than any other service-connected injury,” added Akaka, who is working with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) to bring S. 2162, the bipartisan Veterans’ Mental Health and Other Care Improvements Act of 2008, to the Senate floor for a vote. “I continue to be concerned that VA’s mental health system is unprepared for the rising demands placed on the system by both younger and older veterans. I will keep working to improve standards and funding for veterans’ mental health care.”
Calls for Inspector General investigation and renewed guidelines for PTSD
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, issued the following statement this morning regarding an email sent by a Department of Veterans Affairs employee suggesting that in order to save time and resources, VA should avoid diagnosing veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The email was sent by a mental health professional at the Temple, Texas Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and suggested that the facility’s mental health staff should stop diagnosing veterans with PTSD.
“This incident is both disturbing and disappointing, and provides further evidence that VA’s mental health program requires significant attention,” said Akaka. “I have asked VA’s Inspector General to review diagnosis patterns at the facility involved as well as any benefits decisions based on diagnoses from that facility. I am also calling on VA Secretary Peake to provide renewed guidelines to all VA field offices on the proper diagnosis and treatment of PTSD and on handling claims for compensation for PTSD.”
Psychological war wounds are difficult to diagnose and harder still to heal, but they are no less real than any other service-connected injury,” added Akaka, who is working with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) to bring S. 2162, the bipartisan Veterans’ Mental Health and Other Care Improvements Act of 2008, to the Senate floor for a vote. “I continue to be concerned that VA’s mental health system is unprepared for the rising demands placed on the system by both younger and older veterans. I will keep working to improve standards and funding for veterans’ mental health care.”
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