AMC's commanding general set to retire

By Melissa Bohan
U.S. Army Materiel Command
Public Affairs Office

ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- Gen. John G. Coburn, the U.S. Army Materiel Command's commanding general, will retire on Oct. 30 in a ceremony hosted by Gen. Eric K. Shinseki, Army chief of staff, after more than 38 years of military service.

"It's fitting that I retire with AMC. After all, I had eight different tours here," said Coburn.

Coburn took command of AMC on May 14, 1999. Before this, Coburn had also been assigned to AMC as the deputy commanding general, the deputy chief of staff for procurement, an AMC activity commander, a plant/depot commander, a special weapons platoon leader, and in two other staff-level assignments.

"I am honored to have served this Nation in the greatest Army in the world and am looking forward to serving the country in other ways."

Coburn has a bachelor's degree in education from Eastern Michigan University and a master's degree in Political Science from the University of Kansas. He is a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kan. and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, Fort McNair, Washington, D.C. Coburn also has a juris doctor degree from the University of Missouri and is licensed to practice law before the Supreme Court, State of Michigan; Supreme Court, Commonwealth of Kentucky; District of Columbia Court of Appeals; the United States Court of Military Appeals; and the Supreme Court of the United States.

Coburn's military decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, and the Kuwait Liberation Medal.

Force protection plan a 'timely alert'

By Debbie Sheehan
U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command
Public Affairs Office

FORT MONMOUTH, N.J. -- The world will never be the same again. The terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon Sept. 11 have changed everything; from our sense of security to how we get to work.

"There was a plan in place, but we went from 0 to 60 overnight, so to speak," said Lt. Col. Stephen N. Wood, Garrison commander, here. "By sheer coincidence we were scheduled to conduct "Timely Alert II," a force protection exercise on Sept. 11 and because of that, some of the concrete barriers were already in place."

Wood said people on post told him when they first saw live footage of the events unfolding at the World Trade Center, they thought it was some elaborate training video to accompany the exercise.

Firefighters here said others told them the same thing. "You really outdid yourself this time," a worker said to Captain "Jack" Rindt, training officer for the Fort Monmouth Fire Department. Rindt could only express his sorrow while he acknowledged that indeed, what people were seeing was not a movie, even if it looked like one.

"The visible culture of how we do business has changed," said Wood. "And we have the broader implications of how we are going to protect our Army."

Wood said there are changes in place that are visible. "You can see the barriers, the closing of Oceanport Avenue, forcing traffic onto Route 35 and streets like Seven Bridges Road. That was a necessary move and we are grateful to Monmouth County for their cooperation. Because of the force protection exercise, we were leaning forward in the foxhole, but we executed measures to put things in place."

In a video message prepared for command personnel, Maj. Gen. William H. Russ [commanding general for the U.S. Army Materiel Command's Communications-Electronics Command] said, "in this time of heightened national concern, we have implemented increased security measures -- some of them quite apparent as we drive to our offices and go about our daily business. Many other measures are less apparent but equally effective. All are intended to ensure the safety of our community."

"For the most part, this has been an open post of 35 years," said Wood. "I'm sure it has been a shock for local residents to see gate houses on Oceanport Avenue, but I have met with the mayors of The Two Rivers Council and they have been very supportive and are carrying our message back to their towns.

"We are looking into ways to expedite movement at the gates, by adding personnel. We will be making assessment requirements and through the chain of command find ways to cut down the waiting time at the gates."

As events unfolded Sept. 11, Fort Monmouth services were called out to help in various capacities. The fire department deployed to Atlantic Highlands to assist passengers coming from Manhattan by ferry. Firefighters assisted close to 5,000 people by decontaminating skin, eyes, clothing and personal effects.

"During this national crisis, I have been proud of our law enforcement personnel augmented by many of our soldiers who performed a superb job in securing our installation," Russ said in his video message.

"Our command firefighters and emergency services personnel showed their professional mettle and superb sense of service in responding to calls for support in the wake of the events. I am also extremely proud of the outstanding performance of our civilians and soldiers, who deployed to New York City with thermal imaging cameras, cell phone locating equipment and other systems to aid in the search for victims."

"And, I'm proud of the great work our Information Systems Engineering Command personnel are doing in the National Capitol Region to restore and renovate the Pentagon and relocate personnel," Russ said.

Members of the Patterson Army Health Clinic also deployed to assist at Fort Hamilton, N.Y. medical facilities and on the Navy hospital ship Comfort. Patient administration personnel from Patterson also deployed to assist hospital staffs in New York City.

As the workforce moves about the post, they are being reminded to be aware of their surroundings and anything unusual. "We have 5,000 people on the main post, another 3,500 in the Charles Wood Area. Those are a lot of pairs of eyes," Wood said.

For more information contact the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command public affairs office at (732) 532-1258, DSN 992-1258.

After the Sept. 11 attacks, CECOM civilians and soldiers deployed to New York City with thermal imaging cameras, cell phone locating equipment and other systems to aid in the search for victims.

Army Depot firefighter supports World Trade Center rescue efforts

By Michele Yeager
Tobyhanna Army Depot
Public Affairs Office

TOBYHANNA ARMY DEPOT, Pa. -- "It looked like a war zone. I've never seen anything like it; just blocks and blocks of devastation. To see buildings that once stood 110 stories high turned into rubble standing eight stories high is just unbelievable," said Firefighter A.J. Gilgallon, describing his immediate reaction upon arrival in New York City.

"It was just overwhelming. The pictures you see on the news do not begin to describe the destruction I stood in the middle of," he added.

An employee of the depot's Fire and Emergency Services Division, Gilgallon arrived at the World Trade Center site on the evening of Sept. 11 and saw first-hand the devastation and aftermath of the terrorist attacks.

Gilgallon, who serves on a Federal Emergency Management Agency Urban Search and Rescue Team, volunteered to support the response efforts and spent the next nine days at the WTC site searching through the ruins for survivors. It was disappointing that his team did not find anyone alive, but they never gave up hope. "We can, however, provide closure to all those who lost loved ones as victims are identified," he said somberly.

A positive aspect of what he saw and became a part of is the well-organized process in which rescue and cleanup efforts are being performed. "It was not chaotic at all," he said. Rescue workers, New York fire and police departments, and emergency teams all have procedures to follow and specific goals to accomplish, he explained.

"From a team perspective, they are making fantastic progress, although I'd venture to say it will take up to a year to completely remove all debris and tear down the other damaged buildings."

Gilgallon is one of 62 Pennsylvania USART members who continually train in preparation for supporting emergencies, such as natural disasters. He joined the team in 1995 through the Federal Fire Department. He has been activated a few times in the past, but this was his first deployment. "To be activated means to be on call and ready to depart to the scene within six hours of FEMA notification," he explained. "I was activated when Hurricane Floyd hit Atlanta, but not deployed."

The call for activation to New York City came in at 11:30 a.m. on Sept. 11, just hours after the attacks. "We got called first, because we're closest to the site," he said. There are a total of 27 USARTs across the United States, according to Gilgallon.

His previous training prepared him for what lay ahead, so there weren't many requirements necessary before his departure. "We received a critical incident debriefing before driving to the Harrisburg International Airport. From there, we took a bus into the city, with two tractor trailers full of equipment behind us."

In addition to firefighters, an entire team consists of doctors, heavy equipment operators, rescue specialists, engineers, technical specialists, a hazardous material technician and a K9 specialist. The search and rescue equipment they use, provided by FEMA, includes saws, cutters, cameras, bore scopes, listening devices and other high-tech apparatus.

"Our team, Pennsylvania Task Force 1, was split into two shifts - day and night. I was assigned to Day Squad One," he explained. "We worked 12 to14 hour shifts, and there were always two squads operating in two separate areas."

At night, he and his team members would sleep on floors at a nearby convention center where they had set up a base of operations. "We are required to bring essentials with us, such as sleeping bags and personal items, but we did not want for anything. Clothes, food, blankets - anything we needed was available through donations."

Gilgallon said it was very impressive to see the collaboration of New York residents and business owners. "The outpouring of support by New Yorkers is incredible; for a city that big, to see everyone join together and open their doors for us."

Both his father and grandfather were firefighters, and as a child, Gilgallon recalls always wanting to be one, too. Now, at the age of 30, he's been in the field for 15 years and says he has always found personal satisfaction in the rescue aspect of his duties. "I enjoy learning new skills and keeping up with new technology," he commented. "If asked, I would not hesitate to go back to New York and help further. Of course, I was a little apprehensive at first, but I love being a firefighter, and that sense of being able to help made it a rewarding experience."

He left New York on Sept. 19, and got right back to his depot work schedule. "I couldn't ask for a better group of people to work with than the team I have right here," he said. "These people are my extended family and I couldn't have accepted the New York assignment without their support and cooperation."

For more information contact Michele Yeager, U.S. Army Materiel Command's Tobyhanna Army Depot public affairs office, at (570) 895- 8073, DSN 795-8073.

A.J. Gilgallon, a firefighter/emergency medical technician in Tobyhanna Army Depot's Fire and Emergency Services Division, reviews the names of hundreds of emergency personnel who lost their lives in Sept. 11 terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center in New York City.

Use caution when handling mail

U.S. Army Materiel Command
Public Affairs Office

ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- In light of recent events, all personnel are advised to use appropriate caution when handling mail. While the Army Materiel Command has not identified a specific threat, it is important to raise the level of awareness and caution. Anyone who handles mail in the office or at home should observe some common sense precautions.

Be alert for the following indicators of suspicious packages:
· Handwritten or poorly typed addresses
· Packages that are unexpected or from someone unfamiliar to you
· Incorrect titles or names, misspelled names or other addressing errors
· No return address or return address that does not match postmark
· Marked "personal" or "confidential"
· Excessive weight, lopsidedeness, protruding wires or aluminum foil, excessive sealing material such as string or tape
· Oily stains, strange odors, or powdery residue

If you identify a suspicious package:
· Do not open it or handle it any more than necessary
· Make a list of any persons who touched the package
· On post, call military police; off-post, call police
· If possible, cover the item with plastic to contain it
· Isolate the area and wash hands with soap and water

Secretary of the Army to head DoD homeland security

Army News Service

WASHINGTON -- The Department of Defense has selected Secretary of the Army Thomas E. White as its interim executive agent for Homeland Security.

White will serve in the new DoD position while still carrying out his responsibilities as secretary of the Army.

The DoD appointment, signed Oct. 2, is temporary until a more permanent selection is made and confirmed by the Senate, according to a Pentagon spokesman.

Established this month in response to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the Pentagon and World Trade Center, the Office of Homeland Security is charged with detecting, preparing for, preventing, protecting from, coordinating responses to and recovering from all forms of terrorist attack.

While the new executive office is still forming, it will eventually have office space in the Pentagon, officials said. President George W. Bush selected Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge to head the office as assistant to the president for Homeland Security. Ridge will have an office in the west wing of the White House.

Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld and White met briefly with Ridge Oct. 11 for a working lunch to discuss command relationships and responsibilities. White said it was the first of what he was sure would be many more meetings with the new Homeland Security chief.

With the exception of combat air patrols, White said, the military will primarily be supporting other agencies involved in the homeland security mission.

"We're not the lead agency for the homeland security task," he said. "And so, we follow and support principally (the Federal Emergency Management Agency), but Health and Human Services and others as well, depending what the nature of the problem is. And, there are 11 million first responders in this country that have the primary duty to deal with emergencies, and we are backup to them."

Asked by reporters how the military might respond to another terrorist attack within the United States and what units would be involved, White refused to go into operational details. However, he did state the military had units prepared to respond to any chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or high-yield explosive attacks due to similar concerns when the United States faced the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

Army's security assistance command moves to Fort Belvoir
Relocation accelerated to accommodate displaced Pentagon workers

By Ken Spalding
U.S. Army Security Assistance Command
Public Affairs Office

FORT BELVOIR, Va. -- Seventy-five personnel from the U.S. Army Materiel Command's Security Assistance Command moved into the former National Capital Civilian Personnel Operations Center building here Oct. 1.

The relocation of USASAC from Alexandria, Va. is part of an Army plan to consolidate organizations in the National Capital Region from leased facilities to government-owned property. Fifty remaining USASAC staffers in Alexandria, Va. will complete the move when renovations are completed in their building near the USASAC headquarters on 21st Road.

USASAC manages the Army's Foreign Military Sales program, which includes the transfer of defense articles and services to more than 130 U.S. allies and friendly nations to bolster their military defenses. The command had been in its Alexandria offices since 1973, collocated with its parent organization, AMC.

More than six months in planning, the move was expected to be completed by December. But after scores of employees at the Pentagon were displaced by the terrorist attacks Sept. 11, AMC Commanding General Gen. John Coburn and USASAC's Commander Maj. Gen. Bruce Scott decided to accelerate the move so Pentagon employees could quickly occupy USASAC's Alexandria offices.

The move to Fort Belvoir provides USASAC its own headquarters. Scott, who has commanded USASAC since October 1999, called the move both exciting and challenging.

"We knew we were slated to move to Belvoir," said Scott. "But when those devoted Pentagon employees were rendered essentially homeless, we felt that to speed up our move and make our space available was something we could do for them.

"Our people will be working, even as building renovations are taking place," Scott added. "But overall, this relocation will benefit both our command and our associates from the Department of the Army."

For more information contact Ken Spalding, the U.S. Army Security Assistance Command public affairs office, at (703) 617-4259, DSN 767-4259.

What our people are doing ... around the world

AMC announces its NCO and Soldier of the Year

By Melissa Bohan
U.S. Army Materiel Command
Public Affairs Office

ARLINGTON, Va. -- The winners of the U.S. Army Materiel Command's Noncommissioned Officer and Soldier of the Year awards were announced at a formal banquet ceremony at the Doubletree Hotel Aug. 24.

Staff Sgt. Roy Ubiles of AMC's Aviation and Missile Command and Spc. Von "Andrew" Bunnell of AMC's Communications-Electronics Command beat out five other NCOs and two other soldiers to win the coveted AMC awards by competing in a PT test, answering "soldier skills" questions in front of a board (Ubiles also taught a first aid class in front of the board), and participating in a uniform review.

"What an honor! I was very hopeful that I'd win this. My mom will be really proud. This accomplishment is very meaningful to me and will be very important to my family," said Bunnell, 24.

"I want to thank the other NCOs for the stiff competition. We are all winners and I'm very proud to have been part of such a worthwhile experience. Also, thanks to my family for their constant love and support," said Ubiles, 30.

Ubiles and Bunnell were showered with gifts in front of an audience of 110 people. Each received a seven day trip to Orlando for two, the choice of their next assignment, a $1,000 saving bond, four new tires and $250 from the Army and Air Force Exchange Service, and a plaque of excellence signed by Gen. John G. Coburn, AMC's commanding general. Ubiles also received a Meritorious Service Medal and a NCO statue and Bunnell received an Army Commendation Medal and a soldier statue.

Other military sponsors gave the winners gifts such as a gold Army watch and $100 (Association of the U.S. Army, Fairfax-Lee chapter), engraved eagle statue and coin (American Military Society), a military excellence plaque and coin (NCO association), and a watch and money (Government Employee Insurance Company).

The winners' photos and biographies will also be displayed on the command sergeant major hall of fame wall display at AMC headquarters.

The other five NCO of the Year candidates were Sgt. Doris Wyatt, CECOM; Sgt. Kira Wharton, AMC's Soldier and Biological Chemical Command; Staff Sgt. Calvin Lucas, AMC's Tank-automotive and Armaments Command; Staff Sgt. Robert Barlow, AMC's Operations Support Command; and Staff Sgt. Timothy Williams, AMC's Army Research Laboratory. The other two Soldier of the Year candidates were Spc. Sergyey Pasechnikov, AMCOM; and Spc. Dion Edwards, SBCCOM.

Staff Sgt. Roy Ubiles receives the Meritorious Service Medal for winning AMC's NCO of the Year. Ubiles is from AMC's Aviation and Missile Command.

Spc. Von "Andrew" Bunnell receives the Army Commendation Medal for winning AMC's Soldier of the Year. Bunnell is from AMC's Communications-Electronics Command.

TACOM gets new commander

By Margaret Compton
U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command
Public Affairs Office

WARREN, Mich. -- It was standing room only in the auditorium at the U.S. Army Materiel Command's Tank-automotive and Armaments Command Oct. 4, as Gen. John G. Coburn, AMC commanding general, officiated at a very special promotion and change of command ceremony.

Brig. Gen. (P) N. Ross Thompson III, accepted the mantel of leadership from newly promoted Lt. Gen. John S. Caldwell Jr., as soldiers, family, friends and local media shared in the simulcast celebration with "TACOMers" from all five satellite locations.

"For a brief moment TACOM was commanded by a three-star," remarked Caldwell after handing over the reigns to TACOM's new commander, Thompson.

Recounting Caldwell's vast military experiences, including the Silver Star for bravery in Vietnam, Coburn said Caldwell's next assignment as the military deputy to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology was an awesome responsibility and one that Coburn felt certain Caldwell would handle well.

Coburn said he was honored to be able to promote an outstanding officer like Caldwell to the grade of lieutenant general, and to have the TACOM family join in the ceremony, especially since Caldwell had spent approximately nine years of his life at TACOM.

"John is a soldier whose career has spanned the globe," Coburn told the crowd. "He's a soldier who is imbued with some sort of wonderful combination of toughness and tenderness within. In other words, he has an ability to be hard as nails when need be, but also has the equal ability to sympathize and empathize with soldiers that he leads. He's a soldier that knows the value of and appreciates the thousands of dedicated Army civilians that are there in both peace and war," Coburn continued. "The Caldwells have always put their hearts and souls in the Army and the results have always shown it."

Caldwell received the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious service as the commanding general of TACOM. Through his leadership he forged a leader-based, business-centered, and customer-focused organization that equipped and sustained America's Army with the most modern tank-automotive and armament equipment.

Coburn described the new commander, Brig. Gen. N. Ross Thompson III, and his wife, Amy, as a great command team that cares greatly for soldiers and civilians.

"If you and I were allowed to tailor-make a command team," he told the audience, "we could not do better than Ross and Amy. They know they're assuming command of a great organization, and they know the challenges that lie ahead." Coburn pledged his support to Thompson and told him, "We entrust the well-being of this command of soldiers and civilians to you. As you assume this important responsibility, we promise you our total support, both personally and professionally. Take care of these great soldiers and civilians, and, I assure you, they will take care of you."

In his address to the command, Caldwell told Thompson that under new leadership, TACOM has the opportunity to rise to new standards of excellence. He said that the command has worked hard in the last two years and was getting ready to face its finest hour in many years under Thompson's command in view of the tragedies of Sept. 11. Caldwell offered to lend his support to Thompson if needed. "You are one of the most fortunate officers in the Army to have the opportunity to command and lead this organization. I'm very confident that you have all the qualities and attributes to take this command to higher standards," he said.

Thompson thanked everyone in attendance and extended a special welcome to his parents seated in the audience, Lt. Gen. (R) Nathaniel R. Thompson Jr., and mother, Delores, who recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. "A golden anniversary celebration for the world's greatest parents and taking command of TACOM -- in the same week -- it doesn't get any better," he said.

He expressed his beliefs and goals for the continued success of TACOM and the Army. "Every action we take, every decision we make, must ensure that when that lonely soldier walking the point reaches into his or her rucksack, they have what they need to execute their mission. This is an awesome responsibility that each of us shares. TACOM and the PEO [program executive office] are on the right track to meet the needs of our soldiers, both today and tomorrow."

"Together we will focus on getting the right people working on the right problem by fixing responsibilities and then letting them spend their energy performing their jobs." Reiterating the point, he quipped, "Fix responsibility, give people the authority to act, and hold them accountable while letting them do their job. This is how we are going to operate."

General Dodgen says he's honored to command this great organization
New Orleans native focuses on AMCOM mission, people

By Skip Vaughn
U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command
Public Affairs Office

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- Maj. Gen. Larry Dodgen (left) assumed command of the U.S. Army Materiel Command's Aviation and Missile Command and Redstone Arsenal in a ceremony Sept. 10. He succeeded Maj. Gen. Al Sullivan, commander since July 1999, who retired with 31 years service. Sullivan will remain in the local community and work for Colsa Corporation.

"I feel honored to have been given the opportunity to command such a great organization that has such a broad impact on our Army and indeed our nation," Dodgen said.

He said he will focus on two objectives: the efficient accomplishment of the mission and the fair treatment of the people of this command.

Since November 1999, he served as director of the Joint Theater Air and Missile Defense Organization in the Pentagon.

Dodgen, 52, is a New Orleans native who received a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Louisiana State University in 1972. He also holds a master's in public administration from the University of Missouri and a master's in national security and strategy from the U.S. Naval War College. From June 1989 to December 1991, he commanded the 8th Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery; and he led his battalion into combat in Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm.

"It's a great day in Alabama," he told reporters after the ceremony. "My wife, Leslie, and I are overjoyed to renew our association with this great state."

Gen. John Coburn, AMC's commanding general, served as reviewing officer for the ceremony attended by about 1,000 people. He presented the Distinguished Service Medal to Sullivan.

"Al Sullivan is a soldier," Coburn said. "He's a soldier who has served his country in both peace and war."

Coburn wished Al and Kathy Sullivan the best in retirement and welcomed the Dodgens to AMCOM and Redstone.

"I know of no one better qualified to assume command of this great organization," Coburn said.

Sullivan expressed his appreciation to the many people with whom he has served throughout his career. "Let me say thank you to all of you. We have enjoyed our time and tenure here, and we welcome the Dodgens as well," he said.

Meeting briefly with reporters after the ceremony, Dodgen expressed his support for the Aviation Corridor of Excellence concept and his belief that Redstone's missions will remain important in the future. "Redstone, as I said earlier, is an enduring installation."

For more information contact the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command public affairs office at (256) 876-1500, DSN 746-1500.

Saluting during the ceremony are Gen. John Coburn (left), commanding general of AMC and Maj. Gen. Larry Dodgen, AMCOM's incoming commander.