|
|
Subscribe to Desktop - The Editorial Page RSS Feed
By Donna Miles
Meanwhile, the 82nd Airborne Division’s entire 2nd Brigade Combat Team – on tap as the U.S. global response force – “has been told to be prepared to deploy as needed or required,” Buckner said. “So they are prepped and ready to deploy. They have done all the things they need to do to get ready,” Buckner said. “And should they be directed to deploy, based on the situation on the ground and additional resources, they are ready to do so.” As the global response force, the 2nd BCT is on 24/7 standby, ready to deploy anywhere in the world within 18 hours. In that capacity, it trains for the full spectrum of missions – from forcible entry scenarios and follow-on stability operations to humanitarian aid and disaster response, Buckner said. So when the first verbal order to prepare a brigade to deploy came at 4 a.m. yesterday, he added, most of the groundwork already was laid. The initial elements are deploying with their own individual equipment and force-protection capability, but few vehicles, Buckner said. “A lot of logistics planning is being done, based on what’s in the theater,” he said. “But right now, the big push is the soldiers, going in relatively light without a lot of rolling stock.” Once in Haiti, their mission will center on humanitarian support and disaster relief, but Buckner said the soldiers also could provide security, if needed. “They bring an ability to provide people to go out and assist immediately, to get on the ground very rapidly and to be able to assist the [joint task force] commander in whatever tasks and requirements he needs them to perform,” he said. Many of the deploying soldiers have served tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, giving them experience Buckner said will prove invaluable supporting the Haiti mission. “They are used to deploying, and they are used to operating under very difficult and challenging circumstances,” he said. Ironically, the Fort Bragg military community, home of the 18th Airborne Corps and 82nd Airborne Division, is preparing for a major exercise later this month that will test, among other capabilities, its readiness to rapidly deploy its forces. As part of the preparation, Army Lt. Gen. Frank Helmlick, the corps commander, and his staff visited various sites around the installation that support deployments to get briefed about their operations. The general made the comment, “Although we have been focused on Afghanistan and Iraq, we, as the 18th Airborne Corps, have to be prepared for the unknown.” “It’s pretty ironic,” Buckner said.
“Twenty-four hours later, we get a call, ‘Be prepared to deploy.’”
Red Cross Video
Zynga Enables Users to Aid in Recovery Efforts SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Starting tonight, Zynga (www.zynga.com) will run a special relief campaign in three of its top games that reach over 40 million users daily. Users can purchase limited edition social goods in FarmVille, Mafia Wars and Zynga Poker, and 100 percent of the proceeds will go towards supporting emergency aid in Haiti. All contributions to the Haiti Relief Fund will benefit the World Food Programme (WFP) which has set up an emergency response team to distribute food and other relief to thousands in Haiti affected by the devastating earthquake. “The devastation in Haiti is unimaginable, and anything we or our users can do is tiny compared to the utter loss for this nation”
In the new campaign, users can purchase white corn within FarmVille that will not wither if left unattended for a week or a Haitian drum in Mafia Wars. Zynga Poker fans that buy a special chip package will receive a rare premium item. Additionally, users can donate directly to the WFP through Zynga.org. “The devastation in Haiti is unimaginable, and anything we or our users can do is tiny compared to the utter loss for this nation,” said Mark Pincus, Zynga’s CEO. About Zynga Zynga has over 230 million monthly
active users playing its games. These games include FarmVille, Zynga
Poker, Mafia Wars, YoVille, Vampires, Café World, FishVille and PetVille,
which are available on Facebook, MySpace, Tagged, Bebo, Friendster, Yahoo!
and the iPhone. Zynga is headquartered in Potrero Hill in San Francisco.
For more information, please visit www.zynga.com and www.zynga.org. BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) announced today it will contribute $100,000 in humanitarian aid to the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. The donation will be provided to the Red Cross International Fund to support Haiti’s relief efforts. “We at the Walt Disney Company are deeply saddened by this tragedy and send our thoughts and prayers to the people of Haiti and their loved ones, which include our Cast Members and employees”
“We hope this donation will help the
Red Cross to provide immediate aid and relief to the thousands of people
affected by this terrible tragedy,” Mr. Iger added. NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Major League Baseball has pledged an immediate donation of $1 million to benefit earthquake victims in Haiti, Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig announced today. The donations are being coordinated through UNICEF, which is aiding earthquake victims by providing necessary supplies to assist with recovery efforts including clean water and sanitation, medical supplies and temporary shelter. The contribution is being made on behalf of Major League Baseball, its 30 Clubs, MLB Network and MLB.com. “This generous donation from Major League Baseball will help save the lives of Haitian children”
“This generous donation from Major League Baseball will help save the lives of Haitian children,” said Ann M. Veneman, Executive Director of UNICEF. “The people of Haiti urgently need food, fresh water, shelter and medical supplies, and the first days are crucial.” “This contribution could not come at a more critical moment for the children of Haiti. MLB’s generosity will enable UNICEF to immediately purchase the supplies we need to prevent a second wave of death and suffering, caused by disease and lack of sanitation,” said Caryl M. Stern, President and CEO, U.S. Fund for UNICEF. “We were powerless to prevent Tuesday’s occurrence. However, we do have the power to help our neighbors in Haiti shape their future. We are extremely grateful to MLB for believing in the future of Haiti’s children.” In addition to the $1 million donation, Major League Baseball has launched an effort to encourage fans to help in the relief efforts as part of its continuing “Going Beyond” campaign to help those in need throughout the global community. MLB Network will air public service
announcements encouraging fans to make donations aiding Haitian relief
efforts. MLB.com also will support the relief efforts with editorial
coverage, social media outreach and prominently-displayed links to UNICEF
where fans can make contributions online. The FBI today reminds Internet users
who receive appeals to donate money in the aftermath of Tuesday’s
earthquake in Haiti to apply a critical eye and do their due diligence
before responding to those requests. Past tragedies and natural disasters
have prompted individuals with criminal intent to solicit contributions
purportedly for a charitable organization and/or a good cause. Statement by the President on the Earthquake in Haiti “My thoughts and prayers go out to those who have been affected by this earthquake. We are closely monitoring the situation and we stand ready to assist the people of Haiti.” The White House also put out this background information: The President was informed of the earthquake at 5:52pm yesterday. The President asked his staff to make sure that embassy personnel are safe, and to begin preparations in the event that humanitarian assistance is needed. The Department of State, USAID and the United States Southern Command have begun working to coordinate an assessment and any such assistance. The State Department has a post up as well, with remarks from Secretary Clinton and ways to help: As Secretary Clinton said earlier, the U.S. government will offer assistance to Haiti and others in the region in the form of civilian and military disaster relief and humanitarian assistance. For those interesting in helping immediately, simply text "HAITI" to "90999" and a donation of $10 will be given automatically to the Red Cross to help with relief efforts, charged to your cell phone bill. Or you can go online to organizations like the Red Cross and Mercy Corps Mercy Corps to make a contribution to the disaster relief efforts. We'll provide more details and opportunities to help as we learn more. To stay up-to-date, follow us on state.gov. RedCross: If you're concerned
about a US citizen living or traveling in Haiti, call State Dept
1-888-407-4747 for assistance.
The Global Hawk flew 14 hours yesterday and will log another 16 hours today, providing about 2,000 images of some 1,000 targets, Butz said. “I think we have pretty good coverage of the entire situation and across the spectrum of capabilities,” he added. The priority is to capture the condition of key infrastructure such as airstrips, bridges and ports throughout the country, where relief agencies may be able to gain entrance to reach injured and trapped people. The clarity of the high-altitude images is good enough, Butz said, “to determine a go [or] no-go,” for the use of airport facilities. Analysts, including some working for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, will compare the Global Hawk photos with reference images taken in June to discern what damage was caused by the earthquake, Butz said. The images will be available to U.S. Southern Command officials coordinating the military effort in Haiti. “The objective is massive distribution to everyone supplying relief,” he said. The Global Hawk had been slated to go to Afghanistan, Butz said, but was diverted by a Southcom request for help in Haiti. “To my knowledge, this is first time for the use of this aircraft for disaster relief in the Caribbean,” the colonel said. The Global Hawk was flown from its home station at Beale Air Force Base, Calif. It refueled at the Naval Air Systems Command in Patuxent River, Md., before arriving in Haiti. (Judith Snyderman is assigned to Defense Media
Activity’s emerging media directorate.) By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J.
Carden
The Marines expect to provide direct support for the ongoing relief efforts there, although they haven’t been given a specific mission yet. But they’re well prepared for any number of challenges, Marine Corps Capt. Clark Carpenter said. “We foresee this mission as however our assets can best be applied to the situation,” Carpenter said. “We will be able to support any number of things that will be asked of us. I think the key is to get down there and figure out how our assets are going to best support the mission.” Carpenter said the 22nd MEU is well suited for this type of operation because of its amphibious capability -- supplies, aid, equipment and manpower can be moved by sea and air. And while the infrastructure in Haiti already is under stress, the Marines can base their operations from the sea, getting their food, water and shelter from ships rather than tapping into the limited supplies ashore, he added. “We don’t know if we’re going to sea-base or not, [but it] reduces the strain on an already strained infrastructure,” he explained. “We have a great flexibility from those ships. We can sea-base, push people to shore and run operations.” The force is deploying aboard three Navy ships – USS Bataan, USS Carter Hall and USS Fort McHenry – with CH-35 Chinook and UH-1 Huey helicopters. They’re leaving their tanks and artillery equipment at home for this deployment, but will bring additional trucks and earth-moving equipment, the captain said. Also, the 22nd MEU will deploy with additional French- and Creole-speaking interpreters, public affairs specialists and possibly more medical personnel and engineers from other Marine units. Carpenter praised the support the 22nd MEU has been given from fellow Marine units at Camp Lejeune and throughout the Corps. “The great thing about his whole process is that all the Marines here have bent over backwards to make sure we get what we need,” he said. “It’s been fast-paced organizing and getting ready to get on the ships, but it’s been made a lot simpler by the singular focus of Marines on this base.” The Marines expect to depart by ship tomorrow and arrive in three to four days. The length of their deployment is uncertain for now, but the Marines are preparing to be gone for at least 30 days, he said. “We’re looking at a minimum of 30 days, but we’re prepared to support the mission as long as we’re asked to be down there,” he added. Despite returning in December from a seven-month deployment sailing through the U.S. European Command and U.S. Central Command areas, morale among the deploying Marines and their families is high, Carpenter said. Many of the Marines were on post-deployment leave when they were recalled, he noted, but they’re eager to help in relieving the Haitian people’s suffering. “We did just get back a month ago, but the morale is off the charts here,” he said. “We are absolutely ready to go. The images we’ve been seeing on the news, it’s catastrophic, and it’s very sad. “Marines are definitely warriors first, and that is what the world knows the Marines for,” he continued, “[but] we’re equally as compassionate when we need to be, and this is a role that we’d like to show -- that compassionate warrior, reaching out with a helping hand for those who need it. We are very excited about this.”
ABOARD USS CARL VINSON IN THE CARIBBEAN SEA, Jan. 15, 2010 – The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson arrived off the coast of Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, today to begin humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
The carrier arrived with a robust airlift capability, picking up extra helicopters while in transit that will prove essential during the mission. “When tasked to support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in Haiti, we immediately headed to Mayport, Fla., at more than 30 knots and loaded 19 helicopters, personnel and support equipment from five different East Coast Navy squadrons in less than eight hours,” said Navy Capt. Bruce H. Lindsey, Carl Vinson commanding officer. “There is no other platform that can do all of that so quickly.” (Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Jason Thompson serves in the USS
Carl Vinson public affairs office.) January 15, 2010 "As part of the Department's ongoing efforts to assist Haiti following Tuesday's devastating earthquake, I am announcing the designation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals who were in the United States as of January 12, 2010. This is a disaster of historic proportions and this designation will allow eligible Haitian nationals in the United States to continue living and working in our country for the next 18 months. Providing a temporary refuge for Haitian nationals who are currently in the United States and whose personal safety would be endangered by returning to Haiti is part of this Administration's continuing efforts to support Haiti's recovery. "At this moment of tragedy in Haiti it is tempting for people suffering in the aftermath of the earthquake to seek refuge elsewhere. But attempting to leave Haiti now will only bring more hardship to the Haitian people and nation. The international community has rallied to deliver relief to Haiti. Much has already arrived and much more is on its way. The Haitians are resilient and determined and their role in addressing this crisis in their homeland will be essential to Haiti's future. "It is important to note that TPS will apply only to those individuals who were in the United States as of January 12, 2010. Those who attempt to travel to the United States after January 12, 2010 will not be eligible for TPS and will be repatriated. "The Department of Homeland Security continues to extend sympathy to our Haitian neighbors and support the worldwide relief effort underway in every way we can. Four Coast Guard cutters have arrived in Haiti, in addition to a variety of Coast Guard assets that were already in the area to support military air traffic control, conduct damage assessments and rescue people in need of assistance. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to work closely with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the State Department - the lead U.S. federal agencies in the response - while coordinating the deployment of state and local Urban Search and Rescue Teams from across the country to Haiti and standing by to provide food, water and other resources as requested. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has provided aircraft to support response efforts. "Haitians in the U.S. who are eligible to apply
for TPS should go to www.uscis.gov or call
USCIS toll-free at (800) 375-5283."
Two of the aircraft are cargo aircraft. The third, named Commando Solo, is an airborne radio and television station that will provide important information to the Haitian people as U.S. and international search and rescue and humanitarian aid missions continue. In what he described as an "unprecedented humanitarian mission," Gov. Edward G. Rendell said that the Pennsylvania Air National Guard had been called out to support the Air Force Special Operations Command mission in Haiti. One of the aircraft departed late on Jan. 14, the other two aircraft left Middletown, Pa., today. "Our National Guard is honored to extend a helping hand to the people of Haiti. I am proud of these dedicated airmen, who are always ready to answer the call of duty, whether it is for combat missions or to aid those in need," said Army Maj. Gen. Jessica L. Wright, the adjutant general of the Pennsylvania National Guard. The 193rd was last called to serve in Haiti more than a decade ago. In 1994, Commando Solo was used to broadcast radio and television messages to the citizens and leaders of Haiti during Operation Uphold Democracy. This is, however, the first humanitarian mission of its type for the wing. (Airman 1st Class Claire Behney is
assigned to the Pennsylvania National Guard.) American Forces Press Service
Officials noted that Joint Task Force Haiti had been established to oversee U.S. military relief efforts in Haiti, with Army Lt. Gen. P.K. “Ken” Keen in command. As of last night, 4,200 U.S. military personnel were currently supporting task force operations, within Haiti and from Navy and Coast Guard vessels offshore. An additional 6,300 military personnel are scheduled to arrive through the weekend. Current U.S. military efforts are focused on working with the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti, international relief organizations and local responders to provide search and rescue, distribute aid and assess damage to key infrastructure, officials said. With approval from the Haitian government, U.S. Air Force air traffic control and airfield management personnel are managing air operations into the international airport at the national capital of Port-au-Prince. The airfield is open for 24-hour operations and has a 90-aircraft-per-day capability. The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson and the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Higgins are operating off the Haitian coast in support of the task force. USS Carl Vinson has 19 embarked helicopters flying airlift missions in support of relief efforts. The carrier also is delivering more than 30 pallets of relief supplies for distribution to affected areas. Overall, 24 helicopters were providing relief to the people of Haiti as of last night, officials said. The 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, embarked aboard the amphibious ship USS Bataan and composed of more than 2,200 Marines is scheduled to arrive in Haiti on Jan. 18 with heavy-lift and earth-moving equipment and additional medical-support capabilities. The amphibious ships USS Carter Hall, USS Fort McHenry, USS Underwood and USS Normandy also are en route to Haiti. The hospital ship USNS Comfort left Baltimore this morning en route to Haiti, with about 600 medical personnel. It’s projected to arrive in Haitian waters on Jan. 21. Comfort's capabilities include fully equipped operating rooms, a 500-bed hospital facility, digital radiological services, a medical laboratory, a pharmacy, an optometry lab, a CT-scan capability and two oxygen-producing plants. Each ship is equipped with a helicopter deck capable of landing large military helicopters. An initial company of more than 100 paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division arrived in Haiti on Jan. 14, and 600 additional paratroopers are scheduled to arrive over the next few days to augment U.N. security and assist with search-and-rescue missions. Since 2005, U.S. Southern Command has led U.S. military support to 14 major relief missions, including assistance to Haiti in September 2008. During that mission, U.S. military forces from USS Kearsarge and other units airlifted 3.3 million pounds of aid to communities that were devastated by a succession of major storms. All military efforts are in support of the U.S. Agency for International Development, which is orchestrating U.S. government contributions to the relief mission. (From a U.S. Southern Command news
release.)
By Chief
Mass Communication Specialist (SW/AW) Katrin Albritton, Navy Expeditionary
Combat Command Public Affairs NORFOLK (NNS) -- Sailors from Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) brought their gear on board USS Bataan (LHD 5) Jan. 13, in preparation for their deployment to support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts following a magnitude 7.0 earthquake which struck southern Haiti Jan. 12. A nine-man Maritime Civil Affairs Team (MCAT), from Maritime Civil Affairs and Security Training (MCAST) Command, will be on hand to assist theater commanders with engagement and security, as well as to establish relations between governmental and non-governmental organizations and the civilian populace. "We are deploying an experienced Maritime Civil Affairs Planner and MCAT team to support the needs of the Haitian people," said MCAST Commodore Capt. Claudia Risner. "MCAST is able to address a unique need in planning and conducting maritime security operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief." The team includes a French speaking Sailor who has deployed to Haiti before and a native Haitian who is familiar with the area. The team members' cultural awareness and experience is a key element in their ability to quickly relate to the local people and to help alleviate suffering. The expeditionary character of NECC
forces uniquely positions them to quickly support out nation's response to
the tragedy in Haiti. NECC forces support the Maritime Strategy with the
agility and flexibility needed to provide humanitarian assistance and
disaster relief to the Haitian people. By Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW/AW) Katrin Albritton, Navy Expeditionary NORFOLK (NNS) -- Sailors from Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) loaded their gear on board USS Ft. McHenry (LSD 43) Jan. 14, in preparation for their deployment to support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts following a magnitude 7.0 earthquake which struck southern Haiti Jan. 12. More than 140 Sailors from Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 6, assigned to Maritime Expeditionary Security Group (MESG) 2, loaded four patrol boats, communications gear and other types of equipment to assist with their upcoming mission. "We're saving lives, doing our jobs, here to do protection," said Chief Boatswain's Mate (SW) Richard Glessner, a member of MSRON-6. "There are a lot of displaced people who heed our help and we're happy to do our job." Another member of MSRON-6 is facing this from a personal perspective. Boatswain's Mate ate Seaman Dominique Pierre, who is originally from la Turture, Haiti, is a member of MSRON-6, and preparing to deploy along with this squadron. "I don't know if my family is okay, yet," Pierre said. "But everything happens for a reason, and we're going to help people. I'm ready to do my job." The expeditionary character of NECC
forces uniquely positions them to quickly support out nation's response to
the tragedy in Haiti. NECC forces support the Maritime Strategy with the
agility and flexibility needed to provide humanitarian assistance and
disaster relief to the Haitian people. By John J. Kruzel
Air Force Special Operations Forces have been manning the airport in the capital of Port-Au-Prince since about 8 p.m. yesterday, conducting airfield operations in addition to recovery and rescue efforts, said Air Force Lt. Col. Brett J. Nelson. “Within hours of our arrival last evening, we established airfield control and have maintained that control conducting 24-hour operations at Port-Au-Prince airport,” Nelson, the commander of the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron, 720th Special Tactics Group, said during a conference call with reporters today. Air Force personnel have been engaged in operations to rescue potential survivors from collapsed buildings, he said. The colonel added that a number of Americans have been evacuated via the airport, but declined to provide an exact figure. Nelson corrected media reports that said airport operations ground to a halt after being saturated with aircraft. He acknowledged that operations at the airport have slowed down under the stress, with 44 aircraft crowding the space at one point today, but maintained that operations are ongoing. Nelson also clarified that the airfield has power and is able to sufficiently light the premises to conduct night air operations. Flanked by his national security team today, President Barack Obama elevated the humanitarian response in Haiti to the top of his priority list, enlisting the aid of government agencies and imploring Americans to extend compassion to those in need. “I've made it clear to each of these
[U.S. government] leaders that Haiti must be a top priority for their
departments and agencies right now. This is one of those moments that
calls out for American leadership,” Obama said in remarks at the White
House.
Check your local fuel prices. 
Missing Children
Code Amber News Service (CANS) issued this Missing Endangered person Alert after the girl disappeared from her bedroom some time after 3 AM Tuesday morning in Satsuma. Satsuma is approximately 75 miles east of Gainsville. Haleigh Cummings a white female, 3 feet tall, weighs 39 pounds and has blond hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a pink shirt and underwear. There are no suspects in this case at this time. However, due to the circumstances of the child's disappearance an abduction is strongly suspected. There is no suspect vehicle at this time. Anyone with information is asked to call the Putnam County Sheriff's office at (386) 329-0808 or dial 911. Download free video of missing Florida child Haleigh Cummings Email this alert to a friend in the area.
|
|
|
National Voice Gazette
www.nationalvoicesite.com
Remember the Troops
Support the Mission
