I HATE BEING SICK...
I am your worst enemy when I catch a bug that leaves me coughing, sneezing, chilled, weak and nauseous. I am a cranky person for at least a few weeks.

What ticks me off is that I get the flu shot religiously (now that I'm 50, it's high on my health 'to-do' checklist) before the start of the season, eat healthy, get a reasonable amount of excercise, and take the meds my doctor prescribes to maintain my health.

Unfortunately, my dear lovely wife came home the other day with a bug that's going around her office. I thought I was OK and would sidestep it...then BAM! (sorry, Emeril...); a couple of days later, I'm a mess of sneezing, body ache, mucus, used facial tissues and hacking.

I don't blame my wife for making me sick. Oh no, dear friends. I blame the inconsiderate person at her workplace that just HAD to come-in to work sick and spread the "cheer" to their co-workers.

Y'know, folks...if you're SICK, STAY HOME! That's what sick time is for (for those of you TWS members who earn it at your civ jobs). Last thing I need is to get what you've got. And if you just HAVE to go to work sick, do your co-workers a favor by wearing a barrier mask to reduce the transmission, cough/sneeze in your sleeve; and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer!

DOING THE RIGHT THING...
On Jan. 15, an everyday American reminded us of who we are and who we can be.

The pilot of US Airways Flight 1549, Chelsey B. "Sully" Sullenberger, crash-landed a crippled airliner in New York's Hudson River saved 155 lives on board. He steered the aircraft toward the river when both engines failed less than five minutes after takeoff from LaGuardia Airport in New York.

Sullenberger learned how to fly in the Air Force, serving-out his seven-year commitment as an officer and pilot. He then began a 29-year career as an airline pilot and safety expert. When you throw in his time as a cadet at the Air Force Academy (Class of 1973), he had more than 40 years of training, education and experience to prepare him for the challenge he would face when his jet lost power.

He prep

Chesley B. “Sully” Sullenberger, the pilot who saved 155 passengers aboard US Airways Flight 1549, poses for his 1973 US Air Force Academy yearbook photo. He served on active duty in the Air Force from 1973 to 1980.  -USAF photo

ared himself well. Like all military pilots, Sullenberger spent hundreds of hours studying emergency procedures and practicing them in simulators; and continued the practice when he transitioned to commercial airliners. A definition of integrity is doing the right thing when no one else is looking, and Sullenberger made himself a better pilot by studying and practicing when no one else was paying a lot of attention. His foundation of knowledge and skill was strong because he put in the time and effort to build it.

When faced with a crisis, Sullenberger didn't panic. Instead he focused on what he had to do to save his plane and his passengers. Ditching an Airbus jetliner is an incredibly difficult thing to do, and Sullenberger was able to do it safely. He executed his responsibilities with excellence.

Once the aircraft stopped in the cold waters of the Hudson, he continued to care for his passengers and crew. New York's Mayor described how Sullenberger walked the aisles of his airplane twice to make sure everyone was out -- putting service to others before his own personal safety. In the middle of incredible stress and strain, Sully chose to do the right thing.

Flight 1549's story had "legs" -- in media-speak. Even with an historic inauguration approaching, the public remained fascinated with the incident, hanging on every detail as recounted by the passengers, ferrymen and rescue specialists. This can be explained by the sheer drama of the crash and the fact that it happened in our largest city.

On a very cold day in New York City, Sully made a difference. They came from his Air Force core values of integrity, service and excellence; which echoes the Navy's core values of honor, courage and committment.

Core values weren't created by the military. They came from the American people we serve. Although the headlines may be filled with stories of fraud, greed and waste, it's important to remember that there are millions of Americans -- in and out of uniform -- who choose to live by these values. Whether it's the teacher who takes the time to help a troubled student or the cop who chases-down a perp, many Americans choose to live according to basic core values.

"Sully" Sullenberger reminds us of this. In these challenging times, it's good to remember what makes our country great.

Until next time...

Jon Yim
Editor

By Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs

MILLINGTON, TN - The Chief of Naval Personnel (CNP) announced the establishment of senior enlisted continuation boards this month as a means to help shape the force.

"In an effort to stabilize and shape the force, ensure continued advancement opportunity, and retain our top performers, a continuation board for enlisted Sailors with over 20 years of active service will be held for active and FTS (full time support). The board will be focused on retaining our top performers serving in our most demanding billets while also ensuring continued advancement opportunity," said Vice Adm. Mark Ferguson, CNP.

The annual board, along with several other force-shaping measures, has been introduced as the Navy strives to meet its congressionally mandated end strength of 329,000 active duty Sailors.

"Our intention is to stabilize our personnel end strength at 329,000 from our current level of 331,000," said Ferguson.

According to the message, the fiscal year (FY) 2010 E7-E9 Senior Enlisted Continuation Board convenes Sept. 21 at Navy Personnel Command. Members not selected for continuation will transfer to the fleet reserve or retire no later than June 30, 2010.

The board will review the records of active-duty and FTS E7 through E9 personnel with at least 20 years of active service and three years time-in-rate as of Sept. 1, 2009.

Exemptions to the FY-10 Senior Enlisted Continuation Board include Sailors with approved fleet Reserve/retirement dates effective on or before June 30, 2010, those with high-year tenure dates on or before June 30, 2010, frocked personnel, those selected for advancement in FY-10 boards, personnel selected for command senior chief/master chief programs from the FY-10 board, personnel with orders to or serving in the first two years of an overseas or DoD area tours at the time of the board convening date, and Safe Harbor participants. Additionally, personnel holding a nuclear, SEAL (special warfare boat operator, special warfare operator), explosive ordnance disposal technician or diver enlisted classification code, plus fleet, force and command master chiefs are exempt from the board.

Each eligible member is responsible for ensuring their record is correct and up to date with latest evaluations, awards and other appropriate information. Candidates may communicate with the continuation board by submitting a board package. Selection board packages provide candidates the opportunity to submit any missing documents from the sections of their records that are viewed by the continuation boards. Packages must be post marked not later than Aug. 17, 2009. Packages submitted to the E7 through E9 advancement selection boards will not be presented to the continuation board. Further guidance on submitting a board package can be found in the NAVADMIN.

Commanding officers with personnel not selected for continuation will be notified so they may personally and confidentially notify the members.

For more information read NAVADMIN 030/09 available at www.npc.navy.mil/channels. 

Obama Vows Not to Waver in Americas Defense

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama pledged a "prudent use" of military power as the nation works toward "ushering in a new era of peace" in his inaugural address to the nation, Jan. 20.

"Our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint," he said from the west side of the Capitol here after taking the oath of office as the 44th president. An estimated 2 million people crowded the National Mall and surrounding area to hear his address.

The use of these principles will allow America to develop greater understanding of other nations and greater cooperation against common threats from them, he said.

President Barack Obama waves to the crowd at the conclusion of his inaugural address on Jan. 20. The 44th president of the United States assumed his duties as commander in chief and vowed not to waver in defending America. - DoD photo by MC1 Chad J. McNeeley

"We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan," Obama said. "With old friends and former foes, we'll work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet."

Obama said Americans will not apologize for their way of life, nor waver in its defense. "And for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you," he said.

America is a country of doers and risk-takers; it is an immigrant country where each generation worked hard to provide for the next, he said.

"For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life," Obama said. "For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West, endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.

"For us, they fought and died in places like Concord and Gettysburg, Normandy and Khe Sanh," he continued. "Time and again, these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions, greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction."

Americans today must continue this journey, he said. It is time for hard decisions and a time of change. "Our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions, that time has surely passed," he said. "Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America."

Obama rejected the idea that the nation has to choose between its safety and its ideals. "Our Founding Fathers -- faced with perils that we can scarcely imagine -- drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake."

In the United States, all languages are spoken, all religions are practiced, and all good people are welcomed, he said. "And because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace," he said.

Obama reached out to the nations of the world in his speech. He told them that America "is a friend of each nation, and every man, woman and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more."

He also spoke to the Muslim world, saying America seeks a new way forward, based on mutual interest and respect.

"As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains," the president said. "They have something to tell us, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington [National Cemetery] whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves."

He called on all Americans to shoulder that burden of service. He said it is the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies.

"Greatness is never a given. It must be earned," he said. "Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted -- for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame."

The faith and determination of Americans can serve the nation well in a time rife with challenges.

"Our nation is at war against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred," the president said. "Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age."

Americans have lost their homes, their jobs, their businesses, and health care is too costly, he said. Schools are failing too many, and the American energy policy plays into the hands of the nation's enemies.

"These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics," he said.

These are disturbing, but more disturbing is a sapping of confidence and the fear that with this decline the next generation must lower its sights, he said.

"Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real," the president said. "They are serious, and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America: They will be met."

While the challenges of this age are new, the values which have seen the country through in the past will best serve the nation, Obama said. "Honesty and hard work, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism -- these things are old, but these things are true," he said.

America must return to these truths, he said. "What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility -- a recognition on the part of every American that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task," Obama said.

"This is the price and the promise of citizenship," he said. "This is the source of our confidence, the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny."

If Americans seize this responsibility, then the challenges will be surmounted, he said.

"Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations," Obama said.

Green Bay Commissioned in Long Beach

Story & Photo by MC1 Jose Lopez, Jr.
Naval Reserve Fleet Public Affairs Center, San Diego

LONG BEACH, CA - Sailors assigned to USS Green Bay (LPD 20) brought their ship to life during a commissioning ceremony Jan. 24 at the port of Long Beach, Calif.

The Navy commissioned the fourth amphibious transport dock ship of the San Antonio-class to honor the first settlement in Wisconsin, the "city by the bay."

"I have never known a city with such a legendary spirit, sense of community and purpose as

Sailors aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20) render a salute after manning the rails and bringing the ship to life.

 Green Bay embodies," said Rear Adm. Michael Shatynski, vice commander, Naval Surface Forces. "All of the qualities that I identify in your great city, I identify in the Navy-Marine Corps team."

Rose Magnus, wife of Gen. Robert Magnus, former assistant commandant of the Marine Corps and ship's sponsor uttered the famous words of a commissioning ceremony, "Man your ship and bring her to life."

The crew answered the call. Within a few minutes the men and women of USS Green Bay lined the rails of the new ship while the call to battle stations rang. A pair of Marine Corps CH-53 Sea Stallions performed a fly-by over the ship.

"This is a thin line," said Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England, about Green Bay's future role in world affairs. "But, it is a thick wall of defense to the lives which we bring freedom."

"Just as a great generation answered the call seven years ago," added England, "so do the Sailors of Green Bay answer that call today. We believe in freedom for all people, and we back our words with deeds."

Though the ship is new to the fleet, Green Bay begins trials and training exercises to prepare her for her future role in the war on terrorism.

"I hold the crew to high expectations," said Command Master Chief Cecilio Macias about the ship's upcoming tests. "During pre-com they did well. Now, we have to get the ship ready to go on deployment."

Green Bay is a multi-task ship in the amphibious Navy that will perform the mission of four previous classes of ships. With its modern capabilities Green Bay will be a key factor in littoral combat operations which call for the projection of sea power deep inland; part of the Chief of Naval Operations' Maritime Strategy for the 21st Century.

Green Bay will accommodate the Marine Corps' "mobility triad," an attack strategy that involves advanced amphibious assault vehicles, landing craft air cushion and the vertical/short takeoff and landing tactical aircraft MV-22 Osprey.

Green Bay is the second ship to bear the name of Wisconsin's largest city. The first Green Bay was a patrol gunboat (PG 101), which served from 1969 to 1977. The current Green Bay is also the first Navy warship commissioned in the Los Angeles area since 1994.

Troops Bid Bush Farewell at Andrews AFB

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

ANDREWS AFB, MD - The US military bid farewell on Jan. 20 to the outgoing commander in chief during a stirring and emotional departure ceremony in which he called leading men and women in uniform the highlight of his presidency.

A joint service honor guard, military band and about 4,000 cheering, flag-waving fans greeted former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush as they arrived here from what’s been called "the ultimate change of command ceremony."

The participants -- former staffers, invited guests and servicemembers and their families -- waited inside the 316th Airlift Wing's Hangar Six to hail the president and former Vice President Dick Cheney. They watched the inaugural ceremonies on a Jumbotron screen suspended from the hangar ceiling, then waited with anticipation as Bush lifted off from the Capitol grounds aboard the Marine Corps VH-60 helicopter referred to as "Executive One."

The crowd roared as the former president and vice president made their dramatic entrance into the hangar. The rousing sounds of the "Air Force One" movie theme rung out as the huge hangar slowly opened, revealing the huge blue-and-white presidential aircraft glistening in the sunlight.

Former President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush give a final wave to the crowd of more than 1,000 people gathered at Andrews AFB, MD, prior to their final departure aboard the Air Force VC25 executive aircraft known as Air Force One -- dubbed "SAM (special air mssion) 28-Hundred" for Bush's return home to Texas. - USAF photo by TSgt. Craig Clapper

Children climbed onto their parents' shoulders to catch a better glimpse, and spectators hoisted cameras high to capture the moment in history.

Bush admitted that he wasn't sure how he would feel passing the presidency to the next administration, but declared, "I am thankful, I am grateful and I am joyful!"

"I've had a lot of great experiences," as president, he told the group, but said none has been better than leading military members who have volunteered to serve the country in a time of danger. Bush said he'll miss being commander in chief and being able to stand in front of the troops to tell them "how much we respect you and how much we admire you."

Bush said he'll leave the presidency with his "head held high," confident that he took the right course in difficult times. Historians will sort-out his time in office, he said, expressing belief that they'll note "we did not shirk our duty, we did not shy away" from difficult decisions and that "we served with conviction."

Cheney praised Bush for taking on "the big jobs that needed doing" after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks launched some of the greatest challenges to ever confront the United States. "George W. Bush protected America," he said. "History remembers such leaders and marks them well."

Bush shook hands with many in the crowd, then turned toward the massive VC-25, what the US Air Force's highly-modified executive version of the Boeing 747 is designated, that would take him home to Texas. The flight was designated "SAM (for Special Air Mission) 28-Hundred" rather than Air Force One, which belongs only to the airplane carrying the sitting president.

On the tarmac, Air Force Brig. Gen. Maggie Woodward, the 89th Airlift Wing commander, escorted the Bushes to a red carpet stretching to the aircraft. A 42-servicemember joint honor guard flanked both sides of the carpet.

At the end of the carpet, Air Force Col. Steven Shepro, commander of the 316th Wing, and Col. Eric Snadecki, his vice commander, said their final goodbyes before Bush climbed the steps to the plane.

Shepro said he felt honored for him and his Airmen to bid a personal goodbye to the departing former president. "It's like saying goodbye to an old friend,” he said. He credited his elite team that regularly serves the president -- with the Air Force's only flightline protocol office and a second-to-none security detachment, among them -- with bringing honor to the Air Force.

"This is another moment in history that they share," he said. "We're giving him a fitting sendoff just like we always do."

Command Chief Master Sergeant James Davis, Andrews' top noncommissioned officer, relished his base's role in the inauguration and presidential departure ceremony. "We are a part of history, from the person working the logistics to the ones in the cordon to the ones marching in the parade," he said.

"We're all here to honor our former commander-in-chief as he departs," said Army Sergeant Tyler Murray, one of six members of the 3rd Infantry Regiment "The Old Guard" to serve in the joint service honor guard. "President Bush has looked out for his troops, and we're here to honor him."

"I've been involved in a lot of high-priority missions," said Army PFC Jared Robison, a fellow "Old Guard" soldier. "But this one is the highest on my list, personally."

"It's wonderful being a part of it, especially as a military member," agreed Air Force TSgt. Steven Hawkens, from the 316th Security Forces. "It's breathtaking, it's exciting, it's wonderful to see these things going on."

NTWS Ships Store - For All Your Shipmate Swag!

Visit to our online NTWS Ships Store for all your cool Navy swag - Shirts, Jackets, Hats, Jewelry, Footwear, Medals, Patches and much, much more!

(The Ships Store can also be found under the "Navy Store" tab or on the left hand Home Page just as you log into NTWS)

Over 9,000 quality Items at the lowest prices...and a 30-day, money-back guarantee! Here's just a few of the many items in our store:

• Navy Golf Shirts (Various logos and colors)
  
• Belleville US Army Insulated Combat Boot
• Jostens Classic Men's U.S. Navy Ring - Rectangle Stone
• US Navy Ship Art Prints (2000 ships to choose from)
  

Thank you for your support of the NTWS Ships Store. All Store proceeds go towards promoting the NTWS website, bringing more Sailors to the TWS Community.

- Title photo by MSgt. Cecilio Ricardo, USAF
- Layout, typesetting & design by Jon Yim, TWS

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON - A new patrol in the U.S. Central Command is working to make it unprofitable to be a pirate, the commander of U.S. Navy Central Command and 5th Fleet said earlier this month.

Acts of piracy have "spiked" off the coast of Somalia with merchant vessels and crews being held for millions in ransom by pirates using AK-47 assault rifles, rocket-propelled grenades and ladders to take "low and slow" ships traversing one of the world's busiest sea lanes.

The pirates come from a clan based on the northern coast of Somalia, Navy Vice Adm. William E. Gortney said, and they are in it for the money.

"The problem of piracy started ashore," the admiral said during a Pentagon news conference. "It's because there is no rule of law. There isn't a government. There isn't economic stability. There isn't a court system that will hold these criminals responsible for their actions."

Without a penalty for the Somalis, these clansmen -- who are normally fishermen -- took to piracy.

"As commander of the Combined Maritime Forces, I directed the establishment of the Maritime Security Patrol Area," Gortney said.

Coalition ships and aircraft patrol the area, but it is a complex operation, and task forces already in place had an existing counterterrorism mission.

As a solution, Gortney established Combined Task Force 151 to conduct counter-piracy operations. Nations that are members of the task force "will bring their collective capabilities to bear to deter, to disrupt and eventually to bring to justice these maritime criminals," he said.

The coalition group works with all concerned nations to deter the pirates and it has had some success. "I think, it's really a fascinating story to watch unfold as, at this point, 14 nations have sent their navies to work against this destabilizing activity," he said.

This includes Russia and China, which are primarily escorting their own national flag vessels. "That allows us to go focus elsewhere with the rest of the ships that are down there," Gortney said.

The efforts against piracy focused on three areas: bringing in more international forces, working with the shipping industry to put in place defenses to prevent pirates from successfully getting on board their vessel, and finding a way to deal with the pirates legally.

"When we capture a pirate, where do we take him? Where do we hold him? What court system tries him and holds him?" Gortney asked.

"When the activity spiked in the middle of August, we knew ... our current process wasn't working, and we had to take a new look at it," the admiral said.

And it is working. In the last six weeks there have been only four successful piracy attacks, added VAdm. Gortney.

"Dis-incentivizing piracy" is what Gortney calls the missing piece. "The State Department is close on finalizing an agreement with one of the nations out there," he said. "And once we get that authority, then we're going to change my orders."

The orders to the coalition now are to disrupt and deter, but not capture, pirates. "But once we get the authorities, my orders will change to disrupt, deter and capture, and try and hold them accountable for their actions," he said.

"We have to make it unpleasant to be a pirate, and that's where, when we can capture them and try them and hold them accountable for their actions," he said.
- WorldNet photo via BBC

Download Iraq and Afghanistan maps here.

It's all about YOU! National Blood Donor Month 2009

TWS Coins, Coffee & More - the TWSCafe!

We're proud to announce the opening of the

In partnership with our friends at Devil Dog Brew, we've created the TWS Cafe where you can purchase custom coffee blends of "Devil Dog Brew" and "Snipers Brew" at a discounted price especially for TWS Members.

In addition to coffee, initial product offerings include the Marines and Navy TWS Challenge Coins shown below. 

Coins and coffee can be ordered directly from the TWSCafe page with payments accepted via credit card.

Coin prices are a flat $10 each, which includes shipping. Coins may also still be ordered via PayPal or by check/money order.

For PayPal, send an email payment (from within your PayPal account) to:
merchandise@tws-advisor.com

Check/Money Orders: Make checks payable to: TWS Events; PO Box 50, Bryantsville, KY 40410

BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR SHIPPING ADDRESS AND SPECIFY WHICH COIN YOU WANT with your check or PayPal order!

 
Shinseki Promises Transformation If Confirmed to Head Veterans Affairs

Story by Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON - President-elect Barack Obama's nominee to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs promised senators on Jan. 14 that if he is confirmed he will transform the department into a 21st-century organization.

Retired Army Gen. Erik K. Shinseki told the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs he is fully committed to fulfilling Obama's vision to transform the department.

VA is the second-largest Cabinet agency, and has a budget of around $95 billion to serve the nation's 25 million veterans. The department has a wide range of clients, from recently wounded veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to an aging population of vets from World War II, Korea and Vietnam. VA oversees medical care, home loans, the GI Bill of Rights, employment and other benefits for veterans.

"Transformation is always challenging for any organization, and I use the term transformation rather than incremental change," Shinseki told the committee. Transformation is particularly challenging for organizations that have complex missions and are steeped in tradition, he explained, and he promised the department will look at fundamental and comprehensive processes as it girds for these new challenges. He noted he served as Army chief of staff as the service began a similar transformation.

"Positive leadership, dedication and teamwork on the part of all in the organization allowed all of us to redefine the challenges we first perceived to be opportunities," he said.

Shinseki vowed to put in place a precise strategy for VA reflecting Obama's vision. He acknowledged he has much to learn about the department, and said he looks forward to "gaining the valuable input and insights from its dedicated employees, the veterans and the organizations that serve those veterans."

The department must have three attributes, Shinseki said. It must be people-centric, results-driven and forward-looking.

"Veterans are the centerpiece of our organization," he said. "We will design, implement and sustain programs that serve them. Through their service in uniform, veterans have sacrificed greatly, investing of themselves in the security, the safety and the well-being of our nation.

"They are clients that we represent," he continued, "and whose well-being is our sole reason for existence."

The department's charge is to address veterans' changing needs over time and across a full range of support that the U.S. government has committed to providing them.

The VA work force must be leaders and standards-setters in their fields, Shinseki said. In some areas, he said, this already is true, while other areas need work.

"From delivering cutting-edge medical treatment to answering the most basic inquiry, we will grow and retain a skilled and client-oriented work force," he said.

The measure of VA's success is the timeliness, quality and consistency of services and support provided to veterans. "We will set and meet objectives in each of those areas," Shinseki said.

He also promised the department will be a good steward of the taxpayers' money.

"We will challenge ourselves to do things smarter and more effectively," he said. "We will aggressively leverage the world's best practices, its knowledge base and emerging technologies in such areas as health care, information management and service delivery."
- GEN Shinseki, DoD file photo 

Sincerely,
The NTWS Administration Team
http://navy.togetherweserved.com