07-11-2014 - The Red 7
Transcription
07-11-2014 - The Red 7
T H E R E D 7 . n et Friday, July 11, 2014 Providing security Spc. Connor Mendez | U.S. Army A U.S. Special Forces Soldier, attached to Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan, returns fire after receiving harassment fire during an operation in the Baraki Barak district, Logar province, Afghanistan, June 22. USSF and ANA commandos provided security in the area as coalition forces constructed a new Afghan Local Police checkpoint in the village. ALSO INSIDE Briefs...............................8 Pet adoption ......................7 Philpott............................6 Vietnam’s first Medal of Honor recipient remembers Lt. Col. Bryan Kirk takes reins of 4th Battalion Page 2 Page 3 Friday, July 11, 2014 | THE RED 7 | Page Page | THE RED 7 | Friday, July 11, 2014 Susan Fabozzi News Assistant 315-4450 sfabozzi@thered7.net News (850) 315-4450 Fax: (850) 863-7834 E-mail: news@thered7.net Advertising 863-1111 Ext. 1341 Mail 2 Eglin Parkway NE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 The Red 7 is published by the Northwest Florida Daily News, a private firm in no way connected with the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) or the U.S. Army. This publication’s content is not necessarily the official view of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Army or 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne). The official news source for 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) is http://www.soc.mil/. The appearance of advertising in this publication does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Army, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) or the Northwest Florida Daily News for products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Northwest Florida Daily News. Year No. 4 Edition No. 28 ‘Still a fighting force’ 50 years later, Vietnam War’s first Medal of Honor recipient remembers By LAUREN SAGE REINLIE Northwest Florida Daily News I n 1964, Ray Donlon, a 30-yearold Special Forces Soldier, was sent into the thick of the jungle in Vietnam. It was his first deployment, but he and the 11 Soldiers on the team he was leading had been welltrained and well-prepared. The Soldiers were sent in as advisors to the South Vietnamese. Their job was to train and equip them to fight off the Viet Cong. The men were excited, as young men are when they travel to a new country, a new culture, and they were filled with hope that they were going to be able to help people help themselves, the now80-year-old said. They knew the risks: they could be killed, or, perhaps worse, be captured and taken as prisoners of war. “We all vowed to each other we would fight until the end,” he said. On July 6, just six weeks after the team arrived, they faced that test. The 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) welcomes Lt. Col. Bryan Kirk as he assumes leadership of the Group’s 4th Battalion and bids a fond farewell to Lt. Col. Martin Schmidt as he continues his career in the United States Army Special Forces. Pictured, Col. Robert Kirila, the Group’s Deputy Commander, congratulates Kirk during the recent change-of-command ceremony held in the Liberty Chapel. U.S. Army In the cover of night, about 800 or 900 Viet Cong ambushed the camp at Nam Dong about 30 miles west of Da Nang. The team was far-outnumbered with half or more of the 300 South Vietnamese they were working alongside turning to fight against them. Even though the odds were stacked against them, the men of the 7th Special Forces Group hunkered down to fight. They rescued their ammunition from a blazing building and began to take positions around the camp. Donlon dashed to the main gate, shooting down the men who were trying to use explosives to blast their way through. Many men were wounded in the initial onslaught of heavy gunfire, falling grenades and explod- honor From page 2 Special to the Daily News A picture of the Army Special Forces team taken in 1964 shows team members front row (left to right): John Houston(KIA), Raymond Whitsell, Keith Daniels, Michael Disser, Gabriel Alamo(KIA), and Vernon Beeson. Standing in back row are (left to right): Merwin Woods, Thurman Brown, Roger Donlon, Julian Olejniczak, Thomas Gregg, and Terrance Terrin. ing mortar shells. Despite a severe the injured men. stomach wound and being shot in They had lost radio contact and the shoulder, Donlan continued so Donlon moved from position to fighting and working to evacuate position, hurling hand grenades as Special to the Daily News Roger Donlon is awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor by President Lyndon B. Johnson. he went. “I was reassuring each memSee honor page 3 *10% off Birthday Parties scheduled in July 2014* • Create your own Manicures Lip Gloss or Lotion Facials Pedicures Waxing Kids Party Packages Up Do’s 10% OFF unt sco Military Dida on Thurs ys! 850-581-0304 Adults Welcome #64 EGLIN PKWY, FWB 32548 (across from Popeye’s restaurant) www.darlingdivasnailsalonandspa.com Car, Truck & SUV Accessories Hard & Soft Bed Covers Bed Liners & Mats Toolboxes-Hitches Toppers & Lids Since 1988 Window Visors Step Bars-Running Boards-Seat Covers www.AccentTops.com Accent Tops & Trailers 657 BEAL PARKWAY 850-862-2400 DEVON RAVINE | Daily News Special Forces team members Thurman Brown, right, Julian Olejniczak, red shirt, and Roger Donlon at far left talk about the Battle of Nam Dong. Second from left is Ross Worley. Stacked odds • • • • • Treat the Princess in Your Life ber of the team that we were still a fighting force,” he said. They began to take casualties. Sgt. John Houston was killed and Master Sgt. Gabriel ‘Pop’ Alamo died in Donlon’s arms. Australian Warrant Officer Kevin Conway, who was also at the camp, became the first soldier from his country to be killed in action. “It was hard for me to inform them of the causalities we took, but I felt it was important for them to know their teammates had died for the sake of their brothers,” he said. “When that happens you have a renewed strength; it’s almost impossible to describe.” In the light of day, after five long hours of battle, the team was victorious. They had held onto the camp. For his work inspiring his men to “superhuman effort,” Donlon received the first Medal of Honor of the Vietnam War. But, he wouldn’t be the same. “Pop died in my arms,” he said. “When that happens you make a silent vow that if you live, you’ll conduct the rest of your life in ways that bring respect and honor to their lives. They gave all their tomorrows.” After receiving that award, he wasn’t supposed to be sent back to the same combat zone, but he weaseled his way back in. Honoring the fallen doing your job and being the best at it.” Late last month, with The 7th Group named the 50th anniversary of their headquarters buildthe battle near, Donlon, ing at their compound near who lives in Kentucky, and Crestview after Donlon three surviving members — “a complete surprise,” of his team were honored he said — and other locaat the 7th Special Forces tions after the men who fell Group (Airborne)’s annual in the battle. dinner. He believes that’s a step Before the dinner, he in the right direction of honsaid everyone carries oring their memories. wounds of war, some visible, “Now the next generasome not. He hopes shartion will ask who was John ing his story will help some Houston, who was ‘Pop’ of today’s Soldiers fight off Alamo?” he said. “And then discouragement. they will think about the “You get discouraged great accomplishments when you see things go these men made and will awry, you think you are want to be better people preparing people to defend and better Soldiers as they their own country and then continue to shoulder the they don’t,” he said. “Some responsibilities of defending people want help and some our great country.” don’t. You just have to keep 2105719 Editor 315-4472 tsteele@thered7.net Lt. Col. Bryan Kirk takes reins of 4th Battalion Magnolia Grill magnoliagrillfwb.com Tom & Peggy Rice • Proprietors 850-302-0266 157 Brooks St. SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL Steaks - Seafood - Italian 2107834 2096211 Tracey Steele 2108190 ContactUs Friday, July 11, 2014 | THE RED 7 | Page Page | THE RED 7 | Friday, July 11, 2014 State College 2014 Fall term Classes Start August 20 & October 14, 2014 Above, an Army Ranger student contemplates a strategy in the woods of the Eglin Air Force Base range. Below, An Army Ranger student enjoys a bit of down time. Below left, an Army Ranger student checks his six in the woods. Enroll for Sessions 1 & 2: July 23 - August 19 Enroll for Session 3: July 23 - October 13 Leading the way Photos by Tech. Sgt. Samuel King Jr. | USAF Army Ranger students complete the final phase of the Army Ranger course with the 6th Ranger Training Battalion. Instructors expose the students to an 18-day field training that includes airborne and helicopter assaults, small boat operations, river and swamp crossings. Fall 2014 2105512 Online or On-Campus at All 7 NWFSC locations! Above, Army Ranger students return to their camp after collecting water during some down time in the woods of the Eglin Air Force Base range. At top left, Army Ranger students practice their rope tying procedures prior to a river crossing. Above left, a student cleans his weapon during some down time. Register & Pay by WEB Schedule An Advising Appointment! Niceville (850) 729-5234 • Fort Walton (850) 863-6520 Chautauqua (850) 200-4100 • Eglin (850) 200-4180 Hurlburt (850) 200-4190 • Robert L. F. Sikes (850) 200-4141 South Walton (850) 200-4160 www.nwfsc.edu/schedule EA/EO Friday, July 11, 2014 | THE RED 7 | Page Page | THE RED 7 | Friday, July 11, 2014 Our Success is Your Reward! Buy a New Home in D.R. Horton Northwest Florida Communities Listed in this flyer July 1st through July 31st and receive 12,000 10,000 ** $ $ in Design Options at Hammock Bay - Whispers Homes from the Mid $200s† Freeport | 850-835-2700 7,500 $ ** in Design Options at Liberty Oaks Homes from the Low $200s† Crestview | 850-306-1166 Brownstone Manor Homes from the Low $200s† Crestview | 850-306-2060 ** in Design Options at Hammock Bay - Passages Homes from the High $100s† Freeport | 850-835-2700 Hammock Bay - Schooner Homes from the Mid $100s† Freeport | 850-835-270 7,000 $ ** in Design Options at LaGrange Landing Homes from the Mid $100s† Freeport | 850-835-1343 Find a D.R. Horton New Home Community Near You at www.drhorton.com/nwfl Home and community information, including pricing, included features, terms, availability and amenities, are subject to change and prior sale at any time without notice or obligation. Prices effective July 1, 2014. **Offer valid only on New Contracts on Homes Construction Stage 7 (Cabinets Installed) or above in D.R. Horton NWFL Communities listed above that are written from 7/1/2014 through 7/31/2014 that close on or before 9/30/14. $5,000, $7,500 or $12,000 calculated off base sales price of options. Option availability is subject to stage of construction so that not all design options will be available on all homes. Options to be installed prior to closing. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer or incentive. Terms and conditions apply. 2107634 † Military folks upset that recent defense budgets have targeted their pay and benefits have no reason to fear a new 358-page “interim” report from the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission. The nine-member blue ribbon panel does present, in impressive detail, the full range of military and veteran pays, allowances and benefits that Congress has enacted over recent decades including the last 13 years of war. It’s a document recruiters could use to great effect if not for its heft. But the commission reaches no conclusions on whether any of the compensation offerings, or their combined effect, is excessive. Therefore, it gives little comfort to budget analysts and even military leaders who want to dampen compensation costs through caps on pay raises and housing allowances, hikes in health care fees and cuts to the commissary benefit. Commission Chairman Alphonso Maldon Jr., says the intent of the interim report is to present a “comprehensive resource tool” for understanding military compensation. It shows what commissioners have learned the past year, and “sets the stage” for critical analysis and recommendations to modernize compensation. A final report to President Obama and Congress is due next February. The breadth of compensation programs for military members, retirees, reserve components, veterans and families is impressive, delivered across several federal departments. Total funding in fiscal 2014: $340 billion. Commissioners don’t suggest here that cuts or even major policy changes are warranted due to cost growth alone. Their goal is to replace outdated programs, and “piecemeal” steps taken over time to solve compensation needs, with a more modern, flexible and efficient system. “Although the Commission found that compensation funding has increased substantially over the last two decades, as has been repeatedly reported in the national press, these simple trends need to be examined in greater detail before any conclusion can be drawn regarding fiscal sustainability,” the report says. It echoes a point made often by military associations and veterans groups in answer to critics who say compensation growth has been excessive the last decade or more. Any cost growth comparisons, the report says, “are highly dependent on when the comparisons are begun.” For example, Congress did give the military annual pay raises from 1998 through 2010 that exceeded private sector wage growth, as measured by the government’s Employment Cost Index or ECI. “Beginning the comparison in 1976, however, shows the post-1998 pay raises to be a reaction to military pay raises that were lower Tom Philpott than ECI from 1982 through 1998,” the reports says. “Indeed, policymakers made a concerted effort around the turn of the 21st Century to increase compensation…to counteract recruiting and retention challenges...” A second factor that boosted compensation the last 15 years was general inflation in the economy. Overall prices rose 43 percent but U.S. health costs jumped 76 percent and education costs 129 percent. Wars, too, boosted compensation spending, the commission says, with additional manpower recruited and health care expanded to treat war-related injuries including post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury. Finally, Congress did approve new military benefits. The commission highlights five since 2001 that all had big price tags: Enactment of TRICARE for Life for Medicare-eligible military retirees and family members; An end to a reduction or “offset” at age 62 in Survivor Benefit Plan payments, tied to eligibility for social security; Post-9/11 GI Bill, a $10-billion-a-year expansion of education benefits for service members, veterans and their families. Concurrent receipt, which allowed more than 500,000 military retirees to draw both full military retired pay and VA compensation for service-connected disabilities, ending a costly dollar-for-dollar offset; Extra increases to Basic Allowance for Housing See report page 7 Hi, I’m Ginger a female in search of a home. I was rescued from a bad living situation. I really love to be petted. If you have a loving home and a warm touch then come by and see me. You will fall in love. Ginger is current on her shots and spayed. There is a $50 adoption fee. The adoption process includes filling out a preliminary adoption application and a screening interview. All members of the family need to be present for the interview. The standard adoption fee is $100, unless otherwise posted, and includes spay/neuter, all applicable shots, worming, de-fleaing, heartworm test for dogs and feline leukemia/feline aids testing for cats. We prefer to limit adoptions to within a three-hour drive of Pet Welfare. Adoption applications can be found at www.petwelfare.net and emailed to petwelfare@embarqmail.com (copy and paste into email). report From page 6 (BAH) so rates now cover 100 percent of median rental costs versus 85 percent before 2005. The commission notes that administration’s 2015 budget seeks to slow compensation growth by capping pay and BAH increases and raising TRICARE fees. The Congressional Budget Office just this week suggested that defense budget to meet Budget Control Act limits could include raising TRICARE fees on retirees and ending concurrent receipt for disabled retirees. The commission, however, isn’t ready to say such dramatic changes are needed to make personnel account sustainable. Indeed, the report makes another point often argued by military personnel advocates: that despite significant growth personnel costs, funding for compensation still represents roughly 30 percent of the Department of Defense budget. The commission ac- SUPPLIER PRICING FOR EVERYONE ON ALL NEW 2014 CHEVY CREW CABS PLUS 0% APR FOR 72 MONTHS ON ALL NEW 2014 CHEVYS ^ P U R C H A S E Buy in one hour or less or your first payment is on us! + AND MAKE NO PAYMENTS TILL AFTER LABOR DAY^^ HURRY LIMITED TIME ENDS JULY 14TH NEW 2014 CHEVROLET CRUZE $15,987* STARTING AT 0% FOR 72 MONTHS #14781 knowledges that defense budgets face tough budget challenges. It also concedes that having compensation costs equal to a third of total defense budgets is not “evidence of fiscal sustainability.” Indeed, it says, whether personnel costs are sustainable might be better assessed by comparing growth of pay, health care, retirement and quality-oflife programs the last 15 years against growth of private sector wages using the ECI or of the economy using Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The report presents this comparison in a line graph without comment. However, the lines depicting military and VA health costs since 1998 are seen soaring above those for ECI and GDP. Elsewhere, the report notes that TRICARE Prime premiums rose by only 17 percent from 1999 to 2013, while premiums for private sector workers increased 196 percent. What commissioners actually want to change about military pay and benefits won’t be known for seven months. We do know, and the interim report emphasizes, that the final report will not call for cuts to retirement benefits for current members or to those already retired. The commission charter doesn’t allow it. Tom Philpott is a syndicated columnist. You may write to him at Military Update, P.O. 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Excludes 2014 Chevy Stingray. ^^Deferred payments offer with approved credit through Ally Bank only. **All payments based on 0% APR for 72 months to qualified buyers. Offer expires 7/14/2014. See dealer for complete details. #14-164694 Page | THE RED 7 | Friday, July 11, 2014 Cross Creek Estates red 7 Briefs Freeport, FL 32439 From staff reports The Brighton A 1750 Sq. ft. | 3 Beds | 2 Baths Starting at $201,440 The Braxton B 1779 Sq. ft. | 3 Beds | 2 Baths Starting at $205,990 > Freeport’s newest community > From the high $100’s > 3 Move-in ready homes Buy or reserve your new home today! Building Dreams... One Home at a Time. visit HomesByHalifax.com Lynn Haven’s beautiful golf community From the low $300’s 2 homes under construction Move-in ready mid-July The 96 MDSS will be hosting a bake sale July 24 at the hospital to raise funds for the Eglin Pet Welfare. Last year, over $600 was raised during the bake sale. With the money roofs were installed over the dog kennels. The current storage shed is too small to contain the garden tools and the dog crates. This yearthe goal is to raise $800 to purchase a new 8x10 shed. The event will be held in the hospital lobby near the pharmacy. Come by and support local Pet Welfare. Parents Day Out The Eglin Child Development Center and School Age Program offers Parents Day Out from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 12. This event is available for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years for $25 per child and will offer games, movies and art activities. For details and reservations, call CDC III, 882-5519. water just before sunset. Cost is $25 per canoe or kayak and includes a glow stick and treats afterwards. Sign The Family Child Care up at Outdoor Rec, 882-5058. office is seeking individuals living in the surrounding communities to become licensed affiliated childcare providers. Free training for The Eglin Education Centhose interested will be provided from 8 a.m. to noon ter is hosting an Education July 14-18. Applications are Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. available at the FCC office July 17 in Hangar 3. Featuron Boatner Road. For infor- ing on-base universities, colleges and schools to include mation, call, 882-2994. University of West Florida, Troy University, Saint Leo University, Northwest Florida State College, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, The 53rd Wing and 96th Central Texas College, FlorTest Wing host a Coast Guard ida Institute of Technology Auxiliary boat inspection on and University of Maryland July 25 at 9 a.m. at the Ben’s University College. Also repLake Docks on base. The “by resented will be the VeterAppointment” inspection is ans Benefits advisors, Army open to military, civilian DoD, Education representatives, military retirees and depen- Airman & Readiness Center dents. For information, call and Career Source Okaloosa/ 882-5734 or 882-7348. Walton. Free pizza and sodas. Hangar 3 is located in the same building as Legends Sports Grill. For information, Come paddle out from contact Holly Idems, 883-1261 Post’l Point on July 12 to see or Mike Wright-Reynolds, the full moon rise over the 850-882-1286. Education Fair set for July 17 Summer Boat Inspection Full Moon Paddle Put your special skills to work for you with a Master's in Operations Management The Meadows Lynn Haven, FL 32444 The Madison A 2184 Sq. ft. | 3 Beds | 2.5 Baths $302,990 Move ahead with a Master's degree in Operations Management Complete 100% online, or night classes at Hurlburt Field Just 10 Graduate courses required (8-week terms) Tuition is within your TA cap 2107540 (850) 460-2601 Sales@HomesbyHalifax.com 42 Business Centre Dr., Suite 101 Miramar Beach, FL 32550 Contact Sheila, SF retired Spouse msomhff@uark.edu www.msom.uark.edu 2103027 The Austin A 2383 Sq. ft. | 3 Beds | 2.5 Baths $329,990 2105566 > > > > Pet Welfare bake sale July 24 Family Child Care Training