PG April 2010.Indd

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

PG April 2010.Indd April 2010 • Plains Guardian Page 1 Flora retires; 35th Infantry “We lost a Link assumes Division con- hero today.” command of ducts joint Col. Jim Kansas Air exercise with Trafton dies National Republic of in turnpike Guard ........3 Korea .........8 accident ...13 VolumePlains 53 No. 2 Serving the Kansas Army and Air National Guard, KansasGuardian Division of Emergency Management, Kansas Homeland Security and Civil Air Patrol April 2010 NGB chief McKinley tours Great Plains Joint Training Center By Sharon Watson what they need,” Bunting said. for their efforts. he would ask some of his team to come visit Public Affairs Offi ce McKinley expressed appreciation for McKinley told reporters there are po- the site to determine the possibilities. Gen. Craig McKinley, chief of the Bunting’s vision and ability to make the tential opportunities where the Great Plains “I can’t think of a better venue than this National Guard Bureau, visited the Great site a reality. Joint Training Center might provide the best facility right here, right in the heartland of Plains Joint Training Center in Salina, “With Fort Riley, this facility can bring venue for national training needs and said America,” said McKinley. Kan., on March 26. He took an aerial and so much training space to this part of the ground tour of parts of the center and country,” McKinley noted. the new 160-acre site where military and The fi rst joint civilian-military training civilian fi rst responders train together for at the Great Plains Joint Training Center state disaster response. and Crisis City was in June 2009 when the “This is a world treasure out here, very fi eld portion of the Vigilant Guard exercise impressed,” McKinley said. involved a train derailment and building McKinley was invited by Maj. Gen. collapse. Another large-scale exercise is Tod Bunting, Kansas adjutant general, planned for July 2010 and will involve a to view the site developed over the past number of military and civilian participants. couple of years and opened for training During his visit, McKinley toured the last summer. Crisis City headquarters building, which The training venue includes Crisis City, is nearing completion. It will provide a a replica of a small city that allows re- second-story observation room for instruc- sponders a more realistic training scenar- tors to watch the various components of io. It includes a rubble pile for a building an exercise unfold. It will also provide collapse and actual overturned rail cars classroom instruction. for a hazardous chemical spill. Additional A group of fi refi ghters involved in venues are being added. a search and rescue exercise greeted “We designed the site after getting McKinley as he got a close-up view of the input from our civilian fi rst responders on rubble pile at Crisis City. He thanked them Kansas fi refi ghters conduct search Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting (left), the adjutant general, and Gen. Craig McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau, talk with Kansas fi refi ghters conducting training at Crisis City, located at the Great Plains Joint Training Center in Salina. McKinley and rescue training at Crisis City visited the center in March. (Photo by Sharon Watson, Public Affairs Offi ce) By Maj. DeAnn Barr Search Specialist Training, a Kansas Divi- Great Plains Joint Training Center sion of Emergency Management initiative. Secretary of Defense receives Twenty-fi ve fi refi ghters from across During the fi ve-day training event, stu- Kansas gathered at Crisis City, located at dents learned to locate victims by narrow- the Great Plains Joint Training Center in ing search parameters utilizing equipment award, recalls Kansas roots Salina, March 22 to 26 to attend Technical such as ultrasonic listening devices, spe- By Maj. Mike Wallace present to honor Secretary Gates, includ- cialized search and rescue cameras, search 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment ing former Kansas governor and current robots and GPS locating equipment. Key leaders in the Kansas Army Health and Human Services Secretary, The multitude of venues offered at Cri- National Guard attended the speech given Kathleen Sebelius, Kansas Governor Mark sis City, including the 10,000 ton rubble by Secretary of Defense, Dr. Robert M. Parkinson, U.S. Senator Sam Brownback pile, structure collapse building, land Gates, when he was presented the Dis- and U.S. Representative Todd Tiahrt. PAID navigation range and classrooms, made tinguished Kansan of the Year Award in “I was surprised on how down-to-earth PRSRT STD PRSRT SALEM, OR the class cost-effective and convenient for Topeka on Jan. 29 by the Native Sons and he was,” said Col. John Andrew, Kansas U.S. POSTAGE PERMIT NO. 178 PERMIT participants. Daughters of Kansas. Army National Guard Chief of Staff. “His “Given its central location, this is soon Numerous political leaders were (Continued on Page 11) to be an incredible training facility,” said Capt. John Troyer from the Sedgwick County Fire Department, an assistant with the course. “The training environment is in close proximity to the overnight lodg- ing. Where else can you stay overnight for $15 and have access to cheap meals?” After 24 years of fi refi ghting experi- ence, Troyer appreciates what the training center has to offer. “Usually everywhere we go to train we have to build our own scenarios and it’s all here. All we have to do is send our people with their personal protective equipment,” said Troyer. The most extensive class to prepare for is the Structure Collapse Technician Course that requires two months to set up each time it’s taught, according to Troyer. Instructors need to arrive days prior to the class in order to assemble tons of concrete FORCE blocks, cut steel and prepare for the hands- on training scenarios. 2800 S. Topeka Blvd. Topeka 2800 S. Secretary of Defense Dr. Robert Gates received the Distinguished Kansan of the OFFICIAL BUSINESS OFFICIAL Topeka Kansas 66611-1287 Topeka Adjutant General of Kansas Penalty for Private Use, $300 “Here it’s all set up and I can show up Year award in January. During his acceptance speech, Gates displayed his down- DEPARTMENT OFTHE ARMY OFTHE DEPARTMENT NATIONAL GUARD OF KANSAS GUARD OF NATIONAL and teach. It’s a very labor intensive and cost to-earth Kansas common sense and humor. (Photo by Maj. Mike Wallace, 105th DEPARTMENT AND AIR OF THE ARMY DEPARTMENT (Continued on Page 10) Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) Page 2 Plains Guardian • April 2010 “Meet Your Local Heroes Day” Bringing closure: 190th supports MIA recovery mission in Vietnam By Capt. Joe Blubaugh is the responsibility of the research and 190th ARW Public Affairs investigation teams. While the excavations There has been little chance for closure are ongoing, investigation teams are work- for the families of more than 1,300 Viet- ing with Vietnamese offi cials, interview- nam veterans who are listed as Missing in ing witnesses and visiting potential sites Action. Although some of the MIAs have for future missions. been missing for more than 40 years, their Kelly Ray is a retired Air Force linguist service brethren haven’t given up hope of and the team leader for one of the two someday returning them back to American investigation teams on this mission. This is soil and to hopefully provide the closure Ray’s 45th trip to Vietnam as a JPAC mem- so many families are still seeking. ber including his military and civilian trips. Three or four times a year, the Joint Ray’s team scheduled interviews with POW/MIA Accountability Command retired Vietnamese Army veterans that sends a team of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen were witnesses when a U.S. servicemem- and Marines to Vietnam to search for the ber was killed or went missing. During the remains of the missing servicemembers. interviews, the investigation team have JPAC’s mission is to achieve the fullest the witnesses take them to the burial site, possible accounting of all Americans miss- if possible. The investigation team surveys How do you defi ne a hero? Students from Robinson Middle School, Wichita, ing as a result of the nation’s past confl icts. the site and, based on their fi ndings, rec- had the opportunity to answer that question when 184th Security Forces mem- In February, the 190th Air Refuel- ommends site for future excavation. bers joined with other local law enforcement agencies at the Meet Your Local ing Wing was tasked with transporting Ray says the information they gather Heroes Day event. Equipped with two tactical response vehicles and accounts a 25-member advance team and their is taken back to Hickam Air Force Base, of their own experiences ranging from natural disaster responses in Kansas cargo to the Southeast Asian country. Hawaii, where a board reviews the rec- and Louisiana to overseas missions in support of the War on Terror, 184th The JPAC team is comprised of anthro- ommendations and decides whether an members Tech. Sgt. Mark Wall, Staff Sgt. Quentin Morris, Staff Sgt. Jeffrey pologists, linguists, explosive ordinance excavation is warranted. Nicholson and Master Sgt. Bill Cook represented the Kansas Air National specialists, logisticians and medics. The Army Capt. Greg Smith, the leader of Guard. (Photo by Master Sgt. Eric Smith, 184th Security Forces Squadron) advance team works very closely with one of the recovery teams, says a very the Vietnamese government to negotiate small sample of human remains can lead potential excavation sites and sets up lo- to the identity of an MIA. gistical infrastructure so excavations can “We only need a bone fragment the School counselors get up-close begin immediately upon the arrival of the size of a tooth.” If remains are found, they 50-member main body.
Recommended publications
  • Congressional Record United States Th of America PROCEEDINGS and DEBATES of the 110 CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION
    E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 110 CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION Vol. 153 WASHINGTON, TUESDAY, JULY 10, 2007 No. 109 Senate The Senate met at 10 a.m. and was appoint the Honorable JON TESTER, a Sen- Alaska—is the most mountainous called to order by the Honorable JON ator from the State of Montana, to perform State in the Union. It has 314 separate TESTER, a Senator from the State of the duties of the Chair. mountain ranges. We have 32 moun- Montana. ROBERT C. BYRD, tains over 11,000 feet high. Some of this President pro tempore. terrain, where these fires are burning, PRAYER Mr. TESTER thereupon assumed the is very difficult. The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, of- chair as Acting President pro tempore. We share Lake Tahoe with Cali- fered the following prayer: f fornia. There was a raging fire there Let us pray. that lasted 2 weeks. It has now been RECOGNITION OF THE MAJORITY Our Father God, use our lawmakers put out. But they think that at least LEADER today as Your instruments. Give them 400 structures have burned, with 275 or Your wisdom so that they can find so- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- 300 homes burned to the ground. lutions to the complex problems that pore. The majority leader is recog- On a lot of the land in Nevada not beset our Nation. Strengthen them to nized. many people live there. In spite of serve and honor You by helping the op- f that, people do live there.
    [Show full text]
  • Kansas Agricultural and Rural Resource Directory
    Kansas Agricultural and Rural Resource Directory KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AGRICULTURE Kellen Liebsch 1320 Research Park Drive Chief Fiscal Officer Manhattan, KS 66502 (785) 564-6721 (785) 564-6700 [email protected] www.agriculture.ks.gov Steve Stankiewicz OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY Human Resources Director (785) 564-6711 Mike Beam [email protected] Secretary (785) 564-6700 Shawn Lane [email protected] Chief Information Officer (785) 564-6749 Kelsey Olson [email protected] Deputy Secretary (785) 564-6700 Kenneth Titus [email protected] Chief Counsel (785) 564-6717 Brittney Grother [email protected] Executive Assistant (785) 564-6797 DIVISION OF AGRIBUSINESS SERVICES [email protected] George Blush Heather Lansdowne Director of Agribusiness Services Director of Communications (785) 564-6761 (785) 564-6706 [email protected] [email protected] Jeff Jones Jason Walker Dairy & Feed Safety Program Manager Director of Public Relations (785) 564-6665 (785) 564-6753 [email protected] [email protected] Steve Moris Jennifer Brunkow Food Safety & Lodging Program Manager Facilities Manager (785) 564-6766 (785) 564-6701 [email protected] [email protected] Jeff Vogel Nathan Brown Grain Warehouse Program Manager Emergency Management Coordinator (785) 564-6699 (785) 564-7468 [email protected] [email protected] Sally Flowers Kelly Oliver Laboratory Program Manager Assistant Emergency Management Coordinator (785) 564-7440 (785) 564-6608 [email protected] [email protected] The directory was updated in March 2021. Please send any corrections to [email protected]. 1 Kansas Agricultural and Rural Resource Directory Tony George DIVISION OF CONSERVATION Meat & Poultry Inspection Program Manager www.agriculture.ks.gov/divisions- (785) 564-6773 programs/division-of-conservation [email protected] Andrew Lyon Dr.
    [Show full text]
  • PG Nov 2010 Layout 2
    Kansas 35th ID fields Memorial medics train new tactical would serve with operations to inspire next PlainsPlainsArmenians . .5 GuardianGuardiancenter . .7 generation .12 Volume 53 No. 5 Serving the Kansas Army and Air National Guard, Kansas Emergency Management, Kansas Homeland Security and Civil Air Patrol November 2010 Bunting will retire from adjutant general post in January By Sharon Watson of Kansans, I thank him for his service and Public Affairs Office wish him all the best in his retirement.” Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting will retire as As adjutant general, Bunting oversees Kansas adjutant general in January after the Kansas National Guard’s 5,500 Soldiers seven years in the position, all during and 2,200 Airmen, is the director of the wartime. The retirement takes effect at the Kansas Division of Emergency Manage- end of Governor Mark Parkinson’s term. ment and director of Kansas Homeland Se- “I’m honored to have been called upon curity. For the past two years, Bunting also to serve in these challenging times in our served as the chair of the National Guard nation’s history,” Bunting said. “The Sol- Association of the United States, an organi- diers, Airmen and federal and state em- zation which advocates for the needs of the ployees are truly the finest people I have National Guard. ever served with. These have been the most “I’m considering some future opportuni- rewarding years of my career.” ties, and truly looking forward to spending Bunting was appointed in January 2004 more time with my family,” Bunting said. under then-Governor Kathleen Sebelius.
    [Show full text]
  • Kansas Military Analysis
    Research Report Supplemental Industry Cluster Information for the Kansas Military Analysis Comparing employment, population and income across Kansas and the United States Center for Economic Development and Business Research W. Frank Barton School of Business Jeremy Hill, Director Debra Franklin, Regional Labor Force Analyst Kasey Jolly, Regional Economic Analyst Mary Jane Townsend, Research Associate Prepared for November 2009 About the Governor’s Military Council The Governor’s Military Council fosters cooperation between the installations and private and public sectors, and pursues initiatives to enhance the quality of life for all military personnel, active and retired. The council also assists in the development, coordination and execution of strategy required by any future change in missions proposed by the Department of Defense. The Council was established by Executive Order and has been charged to initiate, act upon and consider all necessary strategies to: • Optimize the military presence in Kansas, including recruitment and retention of new missions and force structure; • Actively foster close, effective cooperation among the installations and public and private sectors throughout the state; • Pursue initiatives to enhance the quality of life for all military personnel, including active and retired; • Promote Kansas as a desired location for all Department of Defense retirees; • Assist in the transfer of technology between the military and the private sector to enhance the competitive posture of both in the national and global market; • Explore and develop outreach opportunities for individuals retiring from military service to use their talent as members of the Kansas workforce; and • Assist in the development, coordination and execution of strategy required by any future change in missions proposed by the Department of Defense.
    [Show full text]
  • January/February 2008
    VAnguard outlook January/February 2008 New Secretary Peake Adapted Housing Grant Program Five Years of My HealtheVet VA and the New Deal January/February 2008 1 VAnguard Features FY 2009 Budget Proposal: $93.7 Billion 6 Seamless transition, compensation and pension initiatives top priorities Honoring Distinguished Service in the Pacific 7 Coast Guard commandant visits Punchbowl to dedicate memorial ‘Granting’ Independence 8 6 Adapted housing program for seriously disabled veterans is growing In Tribute to America’s National Shrines 11 Author publishes book on VA national cemeteries Celebrating Five Years of My HealtheVet 1 2 More than 500,000 users are now registered on VA’s Web health portal On the Cusp of a Breakthrough 14 Dr. David Vesely’s cancer research is showing real promise VA and the New Deal 16 8 WPA helped construct Baltimore National Cemetery Taking the Reins 18 An interview with new Secretary James B. Peake, M.D. The Dream Cutter 22 L.A. barber donates services to lift the spirits of his fellow veterans Helping Veterans on the ‘Road to Recovery’ 23 VA employees lend their expertise at Disney World event ‘Wreaths Across America’ 24 Veterans buried in national cemeteries remembered at the holidays 22 Celebrating the Holidays VA-Style 25 Holiday happenings at facilities around the country VAnguard VA’s Employee Magazine Departments January/February 2008 3 Feedback 30 Medical Advances Vol. LIV, No. 1 4 From the Secretary 31 Heroes Printed on 50% recycled paper 5 Outlook 32 Have You Heard 26 Around Headquarters 34 Honors Editor: Lisa Respess Gaegler Photo Editor: Robert Turtil 29 Introducing 36 Holiday Wreaths Photographer: Art Gardiner Staff Writer: Amanda Hester Published by the Office of Public Affairs (80D) U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Status of Bills and Resolutions Bills in Senate Committees
    SENATE CALENDAR A Status of Bills and Resolutions Senate bills passed in Senate: Senate bills killed in Senate: Senate bills passed by the House: Senate bills killed in the House: Senate bills in conference: Nos. 30, 131, H Sub 254 Senate bills signed by the governor: Senate bills to secretary of state unsigned: Senate bills vetoed by governor: Senate bills line item vetoed by governor: Senate bills becoming law notwithstanding governor's veto: Senate bills published in Kansas register: Senate resolutions adopted: Nos. 1801, 1802 Senate resolutions killed: Senate concurrent resolutions adopted: No. 1620 Senate concurrent resolutions killed: Senate concurrent resolutions adopted by House: No. 1620 Senate concurrent resolutions killed in House: Senate concurrent resolutions in conference: House bills passed in Senate: House bills killed in the Senate: House bills in conference: Nos. S Sub 2115, 2130, 2195, S Sub 2219, 2221, 2265 House concurrent resolutions adopted by the Senate: No. 5024 House concurrent resolutions killed in the Senate: House concurrent resolutions in conference: Executive Reorganization Order approved: Executive Reorganization Order disapproved: Bills in Senate Committees Agriculture-- Senate Bills: Nos. 185 (rereferred), 231 (referred), 256 House Bills: Appointments: Department of Agriculture, Secretary: Joshua Svaty, to serve at the pleasure of the Governor Assessment and Taxation-- Senate Bills: Nos. 99, 111, 127, 140, 177 (rereferred), 192, 197, 243 (rereferred), 244 (rereferred), 264, 266, 334, 335, 338 Senate Concurrent Resolutions: No. 1607 House Bills: Nos. 2079 (rereferred), 2319, 2325, 2353, 2388 B SENATE CALENDAR Business and Labor– Senate Bills: No. 343 House Bills: Commerce-- Senate Bills: Nos. 36, 227, 250, 251, 258, 314, 325 House Bills: Appointments: Kansas Technology Enterprise Corporation: Thomas Cohen, to serve a term of 4 years Confirmation Oversight-- Senate Bills: House Bills: Education-- Senate Bills: Nos.
    [Show full text]
  • NBAF Final Environmental Impact Statement
    NBAF Final Environmental Impact Statement 7.0 DISTRIBUTION LIST The United States (U.S.) Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is providing copies of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility Final Environmental Impact Statement (NBAF Final EIS) or its Summary to federal, state, and local elected and appointed officials and agencies of government; Native American representatives; federal, state, and local environmental and public interest groups; and other organizations and individuals listed below. Approximately 700 copies of the NBAF Final EIS and 850 copies of the NBAF Final EIS Summary were distributed. Both the NBAF Final EIS and the Summary are available online at http://www.dhs.gov/nbaf and on request. United States Congress U.S. House of Representatives CONNECTICUT NORTH CAROLINA Joe Courtney G.K. Butterfield Rosa DeLauro Bob Etheridge Brad Miller GEORGIA David Price Paul C. Broun NEW YORK KANSAS Tim Bishop Nancy Boyda Dennis Moore TEXAS Jerry Moran Henry Cuellar Todd Tiahrt Charles Gonzalez Ciro D. Rodriguez MISSISSIPPI Lamar Smith Chip Pickering Bennie G. Thompson U.S. House of Representatives Committees Bob Goodlatte, Committee on Agriculture Collin C. Peterson, Committee on Agriculture David Price, Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Homeland Security Harold Rogers, Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Homeland Security John D. Dingell, Committee on Energy and Commerce Bennie G. Thompson, Committee on Homeland Security Peter T. King, Committee on Homeland Security Bart Stupak, Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations U.S. Senate CONNECTICUT KANSAS Christopher Dodd Sam Brownback Joseph Lieberman Pat Roberts GEORGIA LOUISANA Saxby Chambliss Mary Landrieu Johnny Isakson David Vitter IOWA MISSISSIPPI Chuck Grassley Thad Cochran Roger F.
    [Show full text]
  • KANSAS HOMELAND SECURITY SUMMIT Wichita, Kansas December 8, 9 & 10, 2009
    1st Biennial KANSAS HOMELAND SECURITY SUMMIT Wichita, Kansas December 8, 9 & 10, 2009 For executives and senior-level leaders Sponsored by: The Adjutant General’s Department, Kansas Homeland Security Kansas Highway Patrol, Kansas Division of Emergency Management Department of Homeland Security, National Preparedness Directorate With University of Kansas Medical Center www.kansas-antiterror.org www.kansas.gov/ksadjutantgeneral K ANSAS HOMELAND SECURITY SUMMIT www.kansas-antiterror.org www.kansas.gov/ksadjutantgeneral For executives and senior-level leaders Wichita, Kansas • December 8, 9 & 10, 2009 his high-level, high-impact working summit provides executives and senior leaders, who are accountable for homeland security preparedness planning and response, the opportunity to engage with one another and with a team of expert presenters Tfrom multiple response sectors. The summit will focus on systems-level and integrated intra-agency planning to ensure optimal crisis response. Presenters are seasoned by a depth and range of experiences in disaster preparedness and response, international counter terrorism, agroterrorism, interagency communications, the military, disaster medicine and media relations. Presenters from business and industry, state agencies and elected officials will round out the team and provide up-to-the-minute information on local and regional preparedness planning and funding opportunities. Portions of the summit are highly interactive to allow participants to work with one another and with presenters. Included in the agenda will be three unannounced disaster scenario exercises. These exercises will require participants to respond to three very different types of crises. Major General Tod Bunting William Chornyak Adjutant General State of Kansas Deputy Director, Kansas Homeland Security “The First Biennial Kansas Homeland Security “I am excited that the Virginia-based Summit is an exceptional opportunity for Counterintelligence Centre is participating in senior-level decision makers to gain insight this summit.
    [Show full text]
  • Internal Investigation of Kansas Guard Pinpoints ‘Toxic’ Leadership by Tim Carpenter Posted Jan 7, 2017 at 4:30 PM Kansas National Guard Lt
    Internal investigation of Kansas Guard pinpoints ‘toxic’ leadership By Tim Carpenter Posted Jan 7, 2017 at 4:30 PM Kansas National Guard Lt. Col. Barry Thomas spoke of black soldiers under his command with a harshness perceived by investigators to inflame racial tension. The white officer, who led the Kansas Army Guard’s recruiting battalion among other assignments in a career spanning more than 25 years, told a soldier, “I thought I would never meet a black man that did not like watermelon.” On a separate occasion, according to investigation documents obtained by The Topeka Capital-Journal, Thomas said he believed African-American men universally favored oral sex. Investigators reported he referred to a black sergeant major as a “tongue-chewing retard” who dressed like a “pimp.” He questioned why a black soldier would possess a home more valuable than his own. A multifaceted internal inquiry by Kansas military officers into alleged malfeasance within the Kansas National Guard found that Thomas held “little regard for soldiers under his care” and led to a recommendation he forfeit a chance for promotion. Thomas was elevated to colonel despite violating a zero-tolerance Kansas Guard order against bullying subordinates. He still holds a leadership position among 7,500 Kansas Guard employees who serve in combat, respond to Kansas disasters and perform humanitarian missions. Kansas Army Guard Lt. Col. Scott Henry, based on more than 2,000 pages of material compiled in his investigation, concluded Thomas and four other Kansas Guard members warranted dismissal from military service, demotion in rank or relief from assigned duties.
    [Show full text]
  • Kansas Military Analysis
    Research Report Kansas Military Analysis Fiscal and Economic Impact of Military Activity in Kansas Center for Economic Development and Business Research W. Frank Barton School of Business Jeremy Hill, Director Debra Franklin, Regional Labor Force Analyst Kasey Jolly, Regional Economic Analyst Mary Jane Townsend, Research Associate Prepared for November 2009 About the Governor’s Military Council The Governor’s Military Council fosters cooperation between the installations and private and public sectors, and pursues initiatives to enhance the quality of life for all military personnel, active and retired. The council also assists in the development, coordination and execution of strategy required by any future change in missions proposed by the Department of Defense. The Council was established by Executive Order and has been charged to initiate, act upon and consider all necessary strategies to: • Optimize the military presence in Kansas, including recruitment and retention of new missions and force structure; • Actively foster close, effective cooperation among the installations and public and private sectors throughout the state; • Pursue initiatives to enhance the quality of life for all military personnel, including active and retired; • Promote Kansas as a desired location for all Department of Defense retirees; • Assist in the transfer of technology between the military and the private sector to enhance the competitive posture of both in the national and global market; • Explore and develop outreach opportunities for individuals retiring from military service to use their talent as members of the Kansas workforce; and • Assist in the development, coordination and execution of strategy required by any future change in missions proposed by the Department of Defense.
    [Show full text]
  • Journal of the Senate
    1084 JOURNAL OF THE SENATE Journal of the Senate FOURTEENTH DAY SENATE CHAMBER,TOPEKA,KANSAS Friday, January 30, 2004—10:00 a.m. The Senate was called to order by President Dave Kerr. The roll was called with thirty-one senators present. Senators Allen, Barnett, Brungardt, Corbin, Donovan, Emler, Lyon, Pugh and Wagle were excused. President Kerr introduced as guest chaplain, Darrel Proffitt, Lead Pastor, St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, Lawrence, who delivered the invocation: We thank you, Almighty God, for this day that we gather in this place where your people assemble for just deliberations and legislative actions. Direct, in our time, we pray, those who have been elected as the chosen leaders of the State of Kansas. Help these women and men engage in civil discussion and right actions for the benefit of all. Continue to call forth our leaders to be honest and able. Help all of them to seek just and fair ways to respond to the many and varied needs of the poor and the rich, those who live in rural areas and those in cities, the young and the aged, women and men and those from different cultures and differing abilities. Give our leaders wis- dom, charity, and justice; that with steadfast purpose they may faithfully serve in their offices to promote the well- being of all people; also bless those who serve faithfully in the armed forces of this land and this state. We give you thanks for the faithful and graceful leadership of those who serve, especially thanking you for the leadership of General Greg Gardner.
    [Show full text]
  • For Immediate Release January 4, 2007 Nicole Corcoran, Press Secretary 785.368.8500 Governor Requests Presidential Disaster Decl
    Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius - Press Release For Immediate Release Nicole Corcoran, Press Secretary January 4, 2007 785.368.8500 Governor requests Presidential Disaster Declaration for 44 Kansas counties affected by winter storms; Agriculture Declaration also requested Upon surveying storm damage in the affected areas of the state and meeting with local emergency management officials, Governor Kathleen Sebelius signed a letter to the White House late yesterday, requesting federal assistance to help Kansans recover from the effects of the winter storms that hit the state Dec. 28 through Dec. 31, 2006. The impacted area includes 44 counties. Sebelius was joined by Congressman Jerry Moran, Adjutant General Tod Bunting, Agriculture Secretary Adrian Polansky and Regional FEMA Director Dick Hainje during her visits to Colby, Ulysses and Satanta. “The impact of this storm has been tremendous and it is critical we receive federal support to help our state recover from the significant financial losses left behind.” said Sebelius. “We will be assessing the damages and financial impact the storm has taken once the critical needs have been addressed.” Governor Sebelius has also requested U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns to declare the same counties agricultural disaster areas to help minimize economic losses livestock producers affected by the storm. Sebelius is seeking the declaration in an effort to make livestock producers eligible for financial assistance, should it be made available by USDA. “There are 3.7 million head of cattle worth an estimated $3.4 billion in the 44 counties hardest hit by this winter storm,” Sebelius said. “Averting and recovering from widespread livestock casualties is important to our state’s economic stability and the well-being of our livestock producers.” The storm has made it temporarily impossible for some livestock owners to get feed to their cattle.
    [Show full text]