WolfStock Presale This Friday Only

	WolfStock Presale This Friday Only
	Buy Your Tickets First! This Friday, May 1st, you can purchase your tickets to WolfStock before the General Public! Don't Miss: Heidi Newfield on August 7th Pat Green on August 8th Lee Ann Womack on August 9th Click Here to purchase your WolfStock Tickets. Enter JAWS for single tickets or if you want to purchase the entire WolfStock lineup and save $18 enter WOLFSTOCK. More Entertainment To Come! Don't worry - we do have more acts coming to the Fair this year. Keep checking ClarkCoFair.com to see when the entertainment acts are announced. Watch your inbox for another presale opportunity to come your way! Do you want to perform at the Clark County Fair? We are accepting free entertainment acts for our Community Stage through May 15th. So if you want to be on the stage, get your application in now! Download your application here Scholarship Applications Due Today Thursday, April 30th is your last day to get your Scholarship Applications in. Go to ClarkCoFair.com to download your application.   Aug 07, 2009 - Aug 16, 2009 Clark County Fair Don't miss this year's Big. Wild. Fun! Advanced tickets will be available soon. Jun 23, 2009 National Anthem Tryouts Calling all Singers - Love singing the National Anthem? Then mark your calendars. Tryouts to sing the National Anthem in the Grandstands before the featured event will be June 23rd at 6:00 PM (5:30 registration) at the Clark County Event Center.

Today's top Air Force stories include:
 
Dates for 2009 Cyberspace Symposium set 
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123147148
 
Asian-Pacific American Heritage month kicks off 
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123147123
 
Officials discourage aspirin use by troops in combat zones 
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123147097
 
Air Force chief of staff returns to roots 
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123147002
 
Air Force Marathon seeks volunteers 
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123146995
 
 
 
All stories in this message as well as any referenced images are in the
public domain and do not require copyright release. Story submissions
should be sent to afnewsdesk@dma.mil. To unsubscribe from this service,
scroll to the bottom of this message for instructions. 
 
 
America's Air Force... Integrity, Service, Excellence
 
 
 
Dates for 2009 Cyberspace Symposium set 
 
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. (AFNS) -- Representatives from the Air Force
Cyber Command (Provisional), the ArkLaTex Chapter of the Air Force
Electronics and Communications Association and the Cyber Innovation Center
will hold the 2009 Air Force Cyberspace Symposium June 16 to 18 at the
Shreveport Convention Center in Shreveport, La. 
 
The theme of this year's symposium is "Collaboration in Cyberspace." Along
with the existing Air Force and Department of Defense focus, the event will
include exploration into how other governmental agencies approach
cyberspace. 
 
The symposium will provide attendees a thorough understanding of the
interdependencies created through cyber and its effect on government,
industry and academia. 
 
To get registration and other information, visit the 2009 Air Force Cyber
Symposium Web site at http://www.cyberspacesymposium.com. 
 
 
 
 
Asian-Pacific American Heritage month kicks off 
 
SAN ANTONIO (AFNS) -- Beginning May 1, Airmen around the Air Force will
begin celebrating Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month with events,
speeches and various other activities at their bases. 
 
Events will highlight the culture and achievements of Americans of Asian and
Pacific Island descent. 
 
Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month is celebrated with community
festivals, government-sponsored activities and educational activities for
students. This year's theme is "Lighting the Past, Present and Future. 
 
The heritage month is just one part of several diversity programs supported
by the federal government, Department of Defense and Air Force.
 
In June 1977, Congress introduced a House resolution that called upon the
president to proclaim the first ten days of May as Asian-Pacific Heritage
Week. The following month, a similar bill was introduced in the Senate. Both
were passed. 
 
On Oct. 5, 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed a joint resolution
designating the annual celebration.
 
In May 1990, the holiday was expanded further when President George H. W.
Bush designated May to be Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month. May was
chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United
States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the
transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. The majority of the workers who
laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants. 
 
During Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month, Airmen are encouraged to take
time to recognize and celebrate the dedicated service and contributions of
Asian-Pacific Americans, both past and present, to the country and the Air
Force. 
 
Some of those Asian-Pacific Americans who made contributions to the Air
Force were: 
 
On Jan. 28, 1986, the space shuttle Challenger exploded 73 seconds after
lift off, killing all seven astronauts aboard. One of the crew, Astronaut
(Lieutenant Colonel) Ellison Shoji Onizuka, had become the first Japanese
American astronaut the year before when he flew on a secret mission aboard
the shuttle Discovery. 
 
Colonel Onizuka (June 24, 1946-Jan. 28, 1986) was born and raised on Kona,
Hawaii. He received a bachelor's degree in Aeronautical Engineering in 1968
and a master's degree in 1969 from the University of Colorado. The following
year, he joined the U.S. Air Force and became a flight engineer. Colonel
Onizuka later attended the Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force
Base in California, and in 1978, was selected by NASA for the astronaut
program. 
 
Dr. Clifford I. Uyeda, a Nisei pediatrician, was a captain in the United
States Air Force. From 1951 to 1953, he served in Korea as a medical doctor.
 
 
Currently, Dr. Uyeda is not only a prominent figure in the medical and
education arena, but he is also a well-known peace activist in the United
States. 
 
On May 31, 1987, Hoang Nhu Tran, a former boat person, graduated
valedictorian of the U.S. Air Force Academy in a class of 960 students. He
was also a Rhodes Scholar and Time magazine's recipient of the 1986 College
Achievement Award. 
 
 
 
 
Officials discourage aspirin use by troops in combat zones 
 
by Gerry J. Gilmore 
American Forces Press Service 
 
WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Defense Department officials are directing
servicemembers and government civilians deployed in overseas war zones to
refrain from taking aspirin unless under a doctor's orders, a senior
military physician said here April 30. 
 
"Aspirin use for reasons other than medical indications is discouraged,"
said Army Col. (Dr.) Tony Carter, director for operational medicine and
medical force readiness under the deputy assistant secretary of defense for
force health protection, a component of the Office of the Assistant
Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs. 
 
Military medical authorities also advise that troops slated for deployment
to combat zones should cease taking aspirin at least 10 days before
departure, Dr. Carter told Pentagon Channel and American Forces Press
Service reporters. 
 
Aspirin is "a platelet-inhibitor," Dr. Carter explained. Platelets are small
cells floating in the blood that induce hemostasis -- the process that
causes bleeding to stop through the forming of blood clots. Low amounts of
blood platelets can lead to excessive bleeding. 
 
"Those platelets serve an important role in stopping bleeding once it
occurs," Dr. Carter said. 
 
Then-Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Dr. S. Ward Casscells
III signed a March 12 memorandum that noted aspirin use by troops deployed
in contingency areas could contribute to excessive bleeding in the event of
wounding or injury. 
 
Blood loss is the most common cause of preventable death associated with
combat injuries, the memorandum said. 
 
Dr. Carter recalled Dr. Casscells asking his staff if the military was
discouraging aspirin use by people deploying to combat zones where they
stood risk of injury. The answer at the time was no, Dr. Carter said. 
 
The subsequent memorandum, Dr. Carter said, also directed the cessation of
"over-the-counter access" to aspirin through Army and Air Force Exchange
Service outlets or morale, welfare and recreation activities in war zones.
AAFES has jurisdiction over Army post exchanges and Air Force base
exchanges. 
 
AAFES is complying with the Health Affairs-issued memorandum, noting in a
news release that its "operations in contingency locations are removing all
products containing aspirin from their shelves." 
 
The intent of the new policy, Dr. Carter said, is to "discourage the
inadvertent use of aspirin" in combat zones. People who routinely take small
doses of aspirin per doctor's orders to maintain vascular health should be
all right, he said, but they should consult their physician. 
 
Servicemembers and civilians could substitute over-the-counter,
non-aspirin-based medications - such as Tylenol or Motrin -- for treatment
of colds, fever, muscle aches and other maladies, Dr. Carter said. 
 
"I think we should take every measure possible to make sure that we minimize
blood loss," Dr. Carter said. "And, not taking aspirin, unless you need to
take it, is one of those mechanisms that we want to use." 
 
 
 
 
Air Force chief of staff returns to roots
 
by Airman 1st Class Sara Csurilla 
47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
 
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- Some thirty-five years ago, 2nd Lt.
Norton Schwartz graduated Undergraduate Pilot Training, walking away from
here with a set of silver wings and a promising career with unlimited
potential. 
 
On April 24th, now Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz came full
circle, returning to Laughlin as the guest speaker at the wing's dining out.
 
 
This was the first time in Laughlin's history that a sitting Air Force chief
of staff visited the base, according to Todd Schroeder, 47th Flying Training
Wing historian. The visit not only was historic for the base, but nostalgic
for the general, who said he was very pleased to accept the invitation to
return his first duty station. 
 
"I had a very positive experience here back in 1973 to 1974," said General
Schwartz, adding that the invitation came as a pleasant surprise. "(I
accepted) for both sentimental reasons and to acknowledge the fact that
there is very important work that continues to go on here." 
 
More than three decades have passed since General Schwartz visited the very
place he began his career as a professional aviator and, like any place,
everything isn't exactly the same. 
 
"Laughlin has changed a lot since my last time here," the general said. "But
the sense of community, which it even had back in the 1970s, is still a
major feature." 
 
Home to more than 5,000 active duty military members and civilians and with
more than 300 students graduating from Specialized Undergraduate Pilot
Training each year, Laughlin still has a small-town feel. That close-knit
sense of camaraderie is unforgettable. 
 
When General Schwartz came through pilot training as a young second
lieutenant, he too made lasting memories. 
 
"I can think of two of my best memories from my time here," he said. "One
was graduation. I received my wings from then Brig. Gen. Robbie Risner, a
former fighter pilot and prisoner of war." 
 
On a lighter note he said his other memory was developing his "affection"
for chimichangas in Del Rio. 
 
As General Schwartz's career progressed, he said the lessons he learned
during his training at Laughlin stayed with him and helped prepare him for a
long career in the Air Force. 
 
"I learned that your professionalism and reputation start at the beginning
of your career," he said. "It doesn't start when you move up in rank, but
right at the beginning. I learned the need to know your business, to be
professional and to understand the platforms in which you operate." 
 
The former Laughlin student also had a few words of wisdom to pass on to
some future chiefs of staff of the Air Force. 
 
"You have to be bigger than where you came from," he said. "We are part of a
joint team and people value what we do as an Air Force. Be good at what you
do and always stay trustworthy, if you're not trusted, you can't be
effective. Earn trust and credibility and opportunities will undoubtedly
come your way." 
 
Keeping that big picture perspective might help Airmen understand the
imperative behind the increase of requirements for pilots to take on what
might be considered non-traditional pilot assignments in unmanned aerial
systems. 
 
The general stressed that these assignments, though remote in nature, are
actually "close to the fight, intimately involved (and) doing things on
which lives depend every day." 
 
"The best shooters in the Army and Marine Corps will never go through a
window or go through a door without the situational awareness that a UAS
provides," General Schwartz said. "And why would we ask them to do that when
they would be safer and more successful with the kind of work we're doing." 
 
The general acknowledged he's aware of concern over assignments into this
platform and pledged that the Air Force would address those concerns. 
 
"I think that some folks supporting the UAS mission will want to eventually
move on to another cockpit," he said. "That's fine we'll certainly work to
accommodate that." 
 
 
 
 
Air Force Marathon seeks volunteers 
 
by Sharon Erli 
Air Force Materiel Command Public Affairs 
 
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFNS) -- The 2009 U.S. Air Force
Marathon may not be until Sept. 19 here, but seeking volunteers to help plan
and execute the race's many aspects begins May 1. 
 
Individuals interested in volunteering can go online to www.usafmarathon.com
to see jobs, schedules, dates, times, etc. 
 
All registered volunteers will receive a goody bag, embroidered patch,
T-shirt and volunteer certificate. 
 
"Volunteers are extremely important to the success of the marathon," said
Allison Frey, the volunteer coordinator for the marathon. "With the
possibility of up to 10,000 runners participating, we will rely on
volunteers for a variety of jobs, including passing out food and drinks,
directing participants along the course and helping with set up for such a
huge event." 
 
Marathon officials are also looking for team leads, or "key volunteers," to
oversee a team of volunteers in areas including marathon expo logistics,
expo and race day volunteer manpower, marathon route logistics, finish line
coordination and parking, etc. 
 
"Key volunteers are especially important to us since they cover all of the
places that the marathon staff can't be on race day," Ms. Frey said. "We try
to prepare them for their specific duties so they can lead the other
volunteers; our key volunteers are a tremendous help to us." 
 
According to Ms. Frey, "dedication" is the main characteristic the marathon
office seeks in a key volunteer. Key volunteers serve as the point of
contact for their respective team, and are asked to attend meetings before
their scheduled work dates so they understand their responsibilities, and
can prepare and direct their teams, accordingly. 
 
For more information on volunteering, contact Ms. Frey at 937-257-5052, DSN
787-5052, or, visit the marathon Web site at www.usafmarathon.com.
 
Find these and other stories on Air Force Link -- http://www.af.mil/
 
You can now manage all your Air Force subscriptions from one location. Point your browser to http://www.af.mil/subscribe/
 
Try these U.S. Air Force news products:
Air Force Media Player -- http://www.af.mil/shared/media/av/main.html -- daily Radio and TV news from around the Air Force.
Airman Magazine -- http://www.airmanonline.af.mil/ -- a quarterly magazine of in-depth news and features showcasing America's Air Force.
 
----

Obama Praises Support for Pentagon Procurement Reform
Thu, 30 Apr 2009 18:23:00 -0500

Month of the Military Child Has Deeper Meaning for Wounded Warrior Families
Thu, 30 Apr 2009 18:34:00 -0500

Month of the Military Child has Deeper Meaning for Wounded Warrior Families By Army Staff Sgt. Matthew Clifton Special to American Forces Press Service FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas, April 30, 2009 - The road to recovery for a wounded soldier can be long and difficult, but with the help of Army medicine and the love of military spouses and children, that road is shorter and smoother. Army Secretary Pete Geren meets with Elizabeth Harris, left, and Abby Smith, children of wounded soldiers, April 29, 2009, during a visit to the Warrior Family Support Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, in observance of the Month of the Military Child. Geren applauded the contributions made by the children in supporting the recovery of their parents. (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. For some soldiers who use the Warrior Family Support Center here, their sons and daughters have played an instrumental role in their recovery as wounded veterans. Soldiers and their families use the center at no cost to them while they receive care at Brooke Army Medical Center here. Through peer and community support and recreational activities, the center provides a high-quality setting for the whole family as they return to normal life. Reestablishing family responsibilities is critical to the recovery of many soldiers. At least 1.7 million American children have at least one parent serving in the military with an estimated 900,000 of those with parents who have deployed multiple times overseas. On April 29, Army Secretary Pete Geren expressed his personal appreciation to a group of children of wounded warriors at the center. "The Army is asking a lot of you all and I hope that we are doing everything we can to help you and your parents," Geren said. Abby Smith, 10, the daughter of Spc. Jourdan Smith, an infantryman who served with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division of Fort Lewis, Wa., knows first-hand the hardships family members can face supporting their wounded warriors. "When I first got injured, she didn't want to look at me, and I used to have to make fun of my injuries to try to cheer her up," said Smith, recalling how he told his daughter the wounds on his leg looked like train tracks. "She had a hard time dealing with my situation at first, but now she helps me more than I can believe. "It was like she went from 8 to 18 in just two years." Abby was 8, and her brother was 10 months old, when her father was injured by gunfire while serving in Iraq. She felt sorry for her father as well as for her mother who stepped up to take care of the whole family. So Abby contributed by helping her dad exercise his knee and by bringing him blankets on cold days and ice on warm days. The crucial role spouses and children play in the recovery of injured soldiers is not lost on the Smith family, who also remember the days before the injury when Smith could play a more active role in the life of his daughter. "Before I could run and play with her, but now I have to sit and watch," Smith said. "She has done incredible though and will help me tie my shoes or clear the table for me." But the sacrifices Abby has made to help her father are larger than just helping around the house. Abby was forced to miss a lot of school after her father's injury, and eventually had to be taken out of public school in favor of home schooling. "There are so many times I feel like I can't do anything, and there Abby is to help me out with whatever I need," Smith said. "She is my life, and I feel like I owe my life to her." Their story is not uncommon. Staff Sgt. Shilo Harris, a Soldier recovering at BAMC, suffered burns on 35 percent of his body, and credits his daughter as the inspiration for his hugely successful recovery. His youngest child, Elizabeth, was four years old at the time, and when Harris was discharged on an outpatient status, Elizabeth assisted her mother with his daily care. Since 1986, the Defense Department has recognized the sacrifices and applauded the courage of military children by designating April as the Month of the Military Child.

LifeNews.com Pro-Life News Report
Friday, May 1, 2009

Current Headlines

• Obama Promises Abortion Compromise, Ignores Notre Dame Scandal
• Poll Shows Support for Legal Abortion Drops to Lowest Level in 15 Years
• Obama Pro-Abortion Judicial Pick David Hamilton Eases Through Hearing
• Clinton Position on Family Planning and Abortion Violates Cairo Accord
• Backer of International Abortion Right, Harold Koh, Faces Senate Hearing
• Pro-Life Advocate Behind Planned Parenthood Video Challenges Letter
• Media Give Biased Reporting on Human Cloning, Stem Cell Research
• Texas Senate Approves Choose Life License Plate, State House Delays
• Vermont Pro-Life Advocates Rally Against Bill to Legalize Assisted Suicide
• Scotland Will Soon Debate MacDonald's Bill to Legalize Assisted Suicide
• Texas House Could Vote Soon on Bill to Lower Penalties for Infanticide
• Pro-Life Law Firm Offers to Help Orange County Against Planned Parenthood

LifeNews.com relies on your support to make pro-life news free and available to hundreds of thousands of people every week. You can send a donation to us at LifeNews.com, PO Box 1931, Cheyenne, WY 82003. Or, you can send an online gift through PayPal to us at news@lifenews.com.

President Obama Promises Abortion Compromise, Ignores Notre Dame Scandal
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- During the press conference Wednesday night marking the first 100 days of President Barack Obama's administration, Obama promised compromise on abortion. He also ignored a question on the scandal at Notre Dame, where he will give commencement at the Catholic college. CNN White House correspondent Ed Henry asked President Obama about the so-called Freedom of Choice Act and abortion. Obama retreated to the promotion of some sort of compromise on abortion and reducing abortion, even though he has compiled a thoroughly pro-abortion record during his tenure thus far. Obama essentially avoided whether he would sign the bill. "Now, the Freedom of Choice Act is not highest legislative priority. I believe that women should have the right to choose. But I think that the most important thing we can do to tamp down some of the anger surrounding this issue is to focus on those areas that we can agree on. And that’s — that’s where I'm going to focus," he said. Henry started out his question with a request for comment on the scandal at the University of Notre Dame, where hundreds of thousands of pro-life advocates have spoken out against the invitation to Obama to give the commencement address and receive an honorary degree. "In a couple of weeks, you're going to be giving the commencement at Notre Dame. And, as you know, this has caused a lot of controversy among Catholics who are opposed to your position on abortion," Henry said. Obama never responded to the question. Full story at LifeNews.com

New Pew Poll Shows Support for Legal Abortion Drops to Lowest Level in 15 Years
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- A new poll conducted by Pew Research finds the support for legal abortions has dropped to its lowest level in 15 years. The latest national survey by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press, conducted March 31-April 21 among 1,521 adults, finds President Barack Obama's abortion advocacy could be sparking a shift to the pro-life side of the abortion debate. The Pew poll found 46 percent of Americans say abortion should be legal in most cases (28%) or all cases (18%) and 44 percent of Americans believe that abortion should be illegal in most (28%) or all cases (16%). That two point margin in favor of abortion is the lowest margin since 1995 as Pew, and other polling firms, have been asking the same polling question of Americans across the country every year. The proportion saying that abortion should be legal in all or most cases has declined to 46% from 54% last August. Currently, 44% say abortion should be illegal in most (28%) or all cases (16%), up slightly since last August (41%). Breaking down the polling results by social groups and comparing them with Pew's results in August, men saw a 10 percent pro-life shift and women a 5 percent shift between polls. Full story at LifeNews.com

Obama Pro-Abortion Judicial Pick David Hamilton Eases Through Senate Hearing
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- President Barack Obama's first judicial nominee, pro-abortion federal district court Judge David Hamilton, sailed through a Senate hearing on Wednesday. The selection for the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, who upset pro-life advocates with one of his prior decisions, faced no direct questions on abortion. The only Republican member of the Senate Judiciary Committee present for the hearing was pro-life Sen. Tom Coburn of Oklahoma. The senator asked Hamilton about a growing concern within pro-life circles that judges are increasingly relying on the use of international law on which to base legal decisions. That is a concern because pro-abortion courts in other nations could be cited as a basis for keeping unlimited legal abortions in the United States. After the questions, Coburn said Republican lawmakers would ask Hamilton "a large number of questions for the record" and doing so on paper. "We will be expeditious but also thorough," Coburn said. The panel held a second hearing after Republicans boycotted the first one, saying it was set up too quickly after the nomination and that they were given too little time to research Hamilton's background. Full story at LifeNews.com

Hillary Clinton Position on Family Planning and Abortion Violates Cairo Agreement
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com/CFAM) -- Last week at a United States (US) House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stated that there was a new administration in place with different values, beliefs and global agenda. Nothing illustrated this rupture with previous U.S. policy more than her admission that the Obama administration interprets the term “reproductive health” to include abortion. In response to a question from Congressman Christopher Smith (R-NJ) on whether her definition of the phrases “reproductive health,” “reproductive services,” and “reproductive rights” includes abortion, Secretary Clinton stated that, “We [the current US administration] happen to think that family planning is an important part of women’s health and reproductive health includes access to abortion that I believe should be safe, legal and rare.” Clinton’s linkage of family planning with abortion is not just a severe break with the previous administration; it is a clear violation of the Cairo Program for Action, which her husband’s government helped to negotiate in 1994. The Cairo document explicitly states in two places that abortion should in no case “be promoted as a method of family planning.” Full story at LifeNews.com

Stop the Abortion Bailout Today! Abortion groups have submitted their 55 page wish list to Obama. At the top of the list? Over $1.5 billion in NEW taxpayer funding of abortion organizations like Planned Parenthood. Go here to contact Senators today!

Backer of International Abortion Right, Harold Koh, Faces Senate Hearing
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com/CFAM) -- It was clear from the opening moments of the Senate hearings for the proposed new top legal advisor at the United States (US) State Department that widespread criticism of the nominee had struck a nerve. Rather than a love feast for a liberal hero, the committee seemed to be, in the words of one observer, in a “defensive crouch.” Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee John Kerry immediately denied charges that former Yale Law School Dean Harold Koh wants to subordinate the U.S. Constitution to foreign legal sources. To chuckles all around, Kerry said to Koh, “And you don't want to do away with Mother’s Day, do you?” This referred to criticism from social conservatives that Koh supports U.S. ratification of a United Nations (UN) treaty whose monitoring committee criticized Mother’s Day as promoting a negative cultural stereotype. With the exception of a few Republicans, each member of the Committee felt it necessary to rebut criticism of Koh that has been building in the conservative media and blogosphere. In his voluminous writings, Koh has vigorously supported a legal theory known as “transnationalism.” Full story at LifeNews.com

Pro-Life Advocate Behind Planned Parenthood Video Expose' Challenges Letter
Nashville, TN (LifeNews.com) -- The pro-life advocate behind the series of expose' videos showing Planned Parenthood officials in various states covering up potential cases of sexual abuse is responding to a new letter. Barry Chase, the CEO of Planned Parenthood Greater Memphis Region sent a missive to Tennessee lawmakers on Monday. Chase's letter attempted to gloss over the sexual abuse coverup, which saw UCLA pro-life student activist Lila Rose posing as a 14-year-old and saying she was sexually abused by a 31-year-old man. In the video, Planned Parenthood staff at the Memphis abortion center told her to hide the information from a judge so she could qualify for an abortion without obtaining the consent of a parent, as required by state law. Chase also condemned legislation Tennessee lawmakers filed that would strip Planned Parenthood of state taxpayer family planning dollars because of the expose' video. On Thursday, Rose told LifeNews.com that her group, Live Action Advocates, has sent the unedited version of the videotape to the state Attorney General and Memphis District Attorney for their review. Rose commends the Tennessee state lawmakers, led by Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey and Sen. Jack Johnson, who have questioned the state's over $700,000 funding of Planned Parenthood. "Why would citizens tolerate paying the bills of an organization that protects statutory rapists and victimizes young girls? This is the sad result of the careless abortion-first mentality that has persisted at Planned Parenthood for decades," she told LifeNews.com. Full story at LifeNews.com

You need to attend the Second International Symposium on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide May 29-30, 2009 at the National Conference Center (near the Washington Dulles International Airport). Learn from leaders about the information and strategy for turning the tide on euthanasia and assisted suicide everywhere. More information here.

Mainstream Media Give Biased Reporting on Human Cloning, Stem Cell Research
by Wesley J. Smith
I can't remember an issue in which there was so much intellectual dishonesty or malpractice in media reporting than the embryonic stem cell/cloning debates--and that's saying a lot! For example, when the Stowers Crowd began using the junk biological term "early stem cells," the Kansas City Star jumped right on that bandwagon. When Big Biotech began using the term "therapeutic cloning" to distinguish using embryos created through somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) from the same technology undertaken to bring a cloned baby to birth--called "reproductive cloning"--the media jumped right on board, creating the false impression that these were different types of cloning. Because these terms misled rather than edified, the President's Council on Bioethics urged scientists and media to use more accurate terminology--"cloning to produce children" and "cloning for biomedical research," so that a rational ethical debate based on critical thinking could be engaged. But that was precisely what Big Biotech and the media did not want, so those terms were never used--as far as I know--in media reports about the cloning debate. Full story at LifeNews.com

Texas Senate Approves Choose Life License Plate, State House Sitting on Bill
Austin, TX (LifeNews.com) -- The Texas state Senate has given preliminary approval to SB 1098, a bill that would allow motorists to purchase a Choose Life license plate that would help support pregnancy centers. However, the Texas House appears to be sitting on the bill and refusing to allow a hearing. The Senate voted 22-9 on second reading for the Choose Life plate bill and a final vote to approve the measure is expected on Friday. The Choose Life license plate bill has also been endorsed by Gov. Rick Perry and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, as well as more than 40 grassroots organizations. Nearly 15,000 Texas citizens have signed a "Petition for Choose Life license plates," pledging to purchase the plate when it is made available. In the Texas House, 82 representatives have signed on to the companion bill, HB 109, including 36 chairs and vice chairs and 13 Democrats. The House Transportation Subcommittee on License Plates held a hearing earlier this month on the House version of the measure, HB 109, but did not take a vote following the discussion. Transportation Committee Chairman Joe Pickett (D-El Paso) has refused to allow a committee vote on the bill, officials with Texas Alliance for Life told LifeNews.com. Full story at LifeNews.com

SEATTLE - Seven more possible cases of swine flu have been identified in King County and more schools in three counties have been closed as ripple effects from the illness began to spread across Washington state.

If the county's numbers hold, the number of suspected cases in Washington will rise to 13, including 10 in King County, two from Snohomish County and one from Spokane County.

Five school closures also have been announced so far due to swine flu:

- Madrona K-8 school in Seattle (through May 7)

- Odyssey Elementary school in Mukilteo (on Friday)

- Woodmont Elementary in Federal Way (through May 11)

- Aki Kurose Middle School (through May 7)

- Stevens Elementary School (through May 7)

All of the schools were closed because they have a student with a probable case of swine flu - except Odyssey, where the student has a suspected case of swine flu.

"We thought this was an important precaution," Dr. Jeff Duchin of the health agency told a Thursday morning news conference outside the Madrona school.

The seven new King County swine flu cases include five more probable cases and two more suspected cases, said Dr. David Fleming, director of King County's Public Health office.

One of the Snohomish County flu victims - a 34-year Snohomish County woman - has a son with flu-like symptoms who attends Odyssey Elementary school in Mukilteo. Because of this, the boy has been labeled a "suspect" case.

The state Health Department is also tracking other children at the school. Depending on what they find, officials might recommend the school be closed longer than the one day.

In King County, health officials said four of the seven new cases involve children between the ages of 8 and 12. One is a woman in her 20s, and two more are the children of a 37-year-old pediatrician who works at the Everett Clinic in Mill Creek.

That 37-year-old doctor was one of the earlier announced probable cases. She is a pediatrician who saw 22 patients and their parents earlier this week before falling ill, officials at The Everett Clinic said Thursday.

The state Health Department cautioned that more probable cases of flu might be found in Washington as additional tests are conducted.

An 11-year-old student at the Madrona K-8 school had a cough and fever Monday and his mother kept him home, school officials said. He was later hospitalized and is recovering.

Duchin said no other cases had been found at Madrona.

Joan Rothrock, who volunteers once a week in a Madrona fourth-grade class, arrived at the school Thursday morning to find the doors closed and the school empty. "I think it's prudent. Better to be safe," she said.

Jon Hughes, vice president of Madrona K-8's PTSA, said his fifth-grade daughter has been in contact with the boy but he wasn't too worried.

"They all have lunch together and recess together, but she hasn't shown any symptoms," said Hughes, whose three kids attend the school. "As a parent, I was comfortable sending my kids back to school."

School district spokesman David Tucker said officials had planned to allow the school to remain open, but health investigators determined the infected boy may have been ill last Friday at the school.

State Health Department spokesman Tim Church said Thursday that it and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were continuing to test Washington samples for swine flu. The state is waiting for confirmation on the suspected cases from the CDC.

More than 100 samples have been sent so far to the state testing lab in Shoreline, officials said.

A 27-year-old Seattle man was also among the three suspected King County cases announced Wednesday night.

Two residents of Snohomish County are also probable to have swine flu. One case involves a 34-year-old Lynnwood woman, and the second is a 3-year-old Snohomish boy, said Dr. Gary Goldbaum with the Snohomish County Health District.

Goldbaum says the source of the Lynnwood woman's illness is a mystery as she has not traveled or been in contact with anyone who recently traveled. But he added he expects the virus to keep spreading.

"I expect the state is going to announce more cases every day from this point on for at least the next several days to weeks," he said.

A case in Spokane involves a man in his 40s who recently traveled to California, the Spokesman-Review reported. The man contacted health officials Thursday afternoon and has already mostly recovered and is no longer showing symptoms. He is related to a child in a local school, but that child has not shown any symptoms.

At this time, all schools and other public facilities in Spokane remain open.

So far, cases have been mild

Dr. Goldbaum said the concern over swine flu was great because the initial cases that developed in Mexico had a very high fatality rate.

But so far, most cases in the United States have been mild -- on par with the common variety influenza.

"What we're witnessing in this county appears to be a relatively milder form of influenza -- milder than what appeared in Mexico," he said. "The fact that it's sensitive to these anti-virals is great news, unlike the avian influenza where we're very concerned about (drug) resistance. This means we have treatment available. It appears at least in this country, most cases won't even require treatment and they will recover on their own."

But he stresses officials are keeping a high alert.

"It's just we don't know for sure and we don't understand why the cases in Mexico look different. And until we can be very clear on what happened in Mexico, we're treating this as potentially a much more severe disease than it may prove to be," he said.

There are 7 new probable cases of H1N1 flu (swine flu) in King County.  Public Health - Seattle & King County is investigating and will provide more information online as it becomes available at www.kingcounty.gov/health/swineflu

Also new information added to the Web site:

• Information for families on school closures in King County: www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/preparedness/pandemicflu/swineflu/schoolclosure
  
  
• For King County health care providers: Guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of swine flu infections in King County: www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/preparedness/pandemicflu/swineflu/guidelines

# # #

To view an online version of this email, click here.

30 APRIL 2009 | ISSUE 60 JOIN   |   SUBSCRIBE   |   ARCHIVE   |   PUBLICATIONS   |   PUBLIC RELATIONS   |   EMBLEM SALES   |   REUNIONS   |   CALENDAR   |   CONTACT US Crossing America in a wheelchair  Disabled and homeless, David Whittaker is on a nationwide crusade. David Whittaker, a 53-year-old Marine Corps veteran, is raising awareness about the plight of homeless veterans. :: Man on a mission Rendezvous in Shanksville Pennsylvania memorial ride to meet Legacy Run in field where Flight 93 crashed. :: Riding for scholarships "The flag was treated as a symbol not of the nation, but of the government and its policy, and that's a terribly mistaken view of the American flag." Richard Parker, Harvard University law professor. :: Supporting a flag amendment              photo by Jon Chase "Six Degrees from Legislation" Bill sponsored by Reps. Buyer and Brown-Waite aims to help homeless female veterans :: Watch the online feature   If you're a Vietnam veteran, can you apply for medical benefits if you suffer from a disease caused by Agent Orange? :: Apply for benefits Honors at Arlington Old Guard Riders escort veterans' remains to national cemetery. :: Three heroes Georgia post to train legal immigrants Legionnaires in Marietta take part in pilot program :: Citizenship 101 Birmingham to host Golden Age Games About 700 "golden age" veterans will head to Birmingham, Ala., in June to compete in sports events. :: Never too old to excel

Navy News Service for Thursday, April 30, 2009
 
NNS090430-08. Iraq Assumes Control of Oil Terminal from Coalition Forces 
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=44882
 
NNS090430-14. Chief of Chaplains Kicks off Northwest Stress Control Course
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=44841
 
NNS090430-12. Navy Stern Flap Installations Project to Save Millions in Fuel Costs
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=44891
 
NNS090430-09. Lookouts On Board Key to Protecting Marine Life
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=44887
 
NNS090430-11. Northwest Region Reserve Component Sponsors Returning Warrior Workshop for IAs
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=44842
 
NNS090430-18. Helos' Versatility, Contributions to Maritime Strategy Lauded During Annual Symposium
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=44902
 
NNS090429-18. Lifestyle-Based Course Impacts Lives, Aims to Prevent Drug, Alcohol Abuse
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=44810
 
NNS090430-05. Florida Fishermen Honor Navy Heroes During Fleet Week
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=44839
 
DNU -- Headlines from around the fleet: Sign-ups for the Post-9/11 GI Bill will begin May 1; The 2009 Exceptional Family Member Program conference will be held June 16-18. 
-- http://www.navy.mil/swf/mmu/mmplyr.asp?id=12525
 
NNS090430-06. U.S., India, Japan Increase Interoperability during Malabar 2009
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=44843
 
NNS090430-13. Arleigh Burke Departs for Deployment, Exercise Joint Warrior
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=44836
 
NNS090429-21. Midwest Regional Ops Center Set to Handle Security, Emergencies
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=44822
 
NNS090429-23. Washington State Makes Commitment to Military Families
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=44827
 
NNS090430-17. Comfort Veterinarians Offer Treatment for Animals in Dominican Republic
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=44865
 
NNS090430-02. Simpson Strengthens Relationship with Colombians through Donations
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=44788
 
DNU -- Africa Partnership Station provides medical and dental care in Gabon.
-- http://www.navy.mil/swf/mmu/mmplyr.asp?id=12527
 
NNS090430-15. Norfolk Naval Shipyard Nominated for Star Status
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=44893
 
NNS090430-03. Installation Leadership Comitted to Supporting Fleet, Family during Joint Basing Transition in Guam
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=44813
 
NNS090430-10. Navy Region Southwest Saves Energy, Money with Solar Project
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=44880
 
DNU -- USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) surgeons conduct a reconstructive bone surgery. 
-- http://www.navy.mil/swf/mmu/mmplyr.asp?id=12526
 
NNS090430-16. Groton Sailors Tackle Earth Day Challenge
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=44873
 
DNU -- USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) advances three Sailors to master chief petty officer. 
-- http://www.navy.mil/swf/mmu/mmplyr.asp?id=12528
 
NNS090429-17. Pearl Harbor Families Learn to Save Planet, Military Money
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=44758
 
DNU -- USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) Sailors mentor students at Glenwood Elementary School.
-- http://www.navy.mil/swf/mmu/mmplyr.asp?id=12529
 
NNS090430-04. Submarine Sailors Support America's Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=44825
 
NNS090429-15. Distinguished Eagle Scout Award Recipient Urges Juniors to Mentor Others
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=44834
 
NNS090430-01. Chief's Bike Project Cruises Around Fleet
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=44675
 
NNS090429-16. Negishi Hosts 25th Annual Friendship Day Festival
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=44741
 
NNS090429-19. Students Build on Basics, Learn Ropes during High School Visit
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=44815
 
DNU -- Sasebo Boy Scouts participate in weapons safety training.
-- http://www.navy.mil/swf/mmu/mmplyr.asp?id=12524
 
NNS090429-22. Navy Region Hawaii Holds Holocaust Remembrance Service
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=44840
 
NNS090430-07. Current Daily News Update
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=44876
 
NNS020429-12. This Day in Naval History - April 30
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=1495
 
Eye on the Fleet - U.S. Navy Photo of The Day
-- http://www.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=71106
 
 
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NNS090430-08. Iraq Assumes Control of Oil Terminal from Coalition Forces 
 
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (AW) D. Keith Simmons
 
ABOARD KHAWR AL AMAYA OIL TERMINAL, Iraq (NNS) -- The Iraqi Navy assumed control of the Khawr Al Amaya Oil Terminal (KAAOT) during a ceremony April 30 aboard the terminal in the North Arabian Gulf.
 
This turnover is the first step of a multi-step naval transition plan that will eventually transfer security responsibilities to the Iraqi Navy. 
 
"The Iraqi Navy is ready and capable of assuming security responsibility for KAAOT," said Rear Adm. T.C. Cropper, commander, Task Force Iraqi Maritime (CTF-IM). 
 
"This milestone represents another indication of increasing Iraqi operational independence. It's very important to the way ahead and the future of Iraq."
 
U.S. and coalition forces have maintained a presence on KAAOT since April 2004, assisting the Iraqi Navy by helping provide security to their oil platforms, which account for approximately 70 to 85 percent of Iraq's gross domestic product.
 
Coalition forces have operated jointly with Iraqi Navy sailors and marines, training them in point-defense force protection and visit, board, search and seizure operations. 
 
"Our Sailors have labored diligently to make this day possible, working by, with and through the Iraqi Navy in a very close partnership," said Capt. Karl Van Deusen, commander, Combined Task Force (CTF) 55, which is responsible for providing security to the oil platforms. "They have brought great credit upon our Navy and our nation."
 
U.S. and UK forces will continue to operate jointly with the Iraqi Navy to provide training and assistance in support of future security transfers in accordance with a security agreement, to include Iraq's other key oil platform, the Al Basrah Oil Platform. 
 
"It's my duty to defend the oil terminal", said an Iraqi Marine aboard KAAOT. "It belongs to my country. It belongs to my people. Our economy is based on it. I take pride in doing so."
 
The U.S. Navy will continue to conduct maritime security operations (MSO) in the North Arabian Gulf and provide assistance as requested. MSO help set the conditions for security, which promotes stability and prosperity in the North Arabian Gulf. These operations protect Iraq's sea-based infrastructure, which provides the Iraqi people the opportunity for self-determination. MSO complement the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.
 
For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/cusnc/. 
 
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NNS090430-14. Chief of Chaplains Kicks off Northwest Stress Control Course
 
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Crystal Engebretson, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Northwest
 
SILVERDALE Wash. (NNS) -- Navy Region Northwest hosted a Professional Development Training Course (PDTC) April 28-30 for those who provide cutting-edge chaplaincy and medical service to Sailors, Marines and their families at Naval Base Kitsap's Bangor Plaza.
 
The theme of this year's PDTC is 'Combat Operation Stress Control: The Family Dynamic.' 
 
"This year we are focusing on the effects combat operational stress and [Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Syndrome] have, not only the warriors but the families and what we can do to recognize the symptoms and issues," said Navy Chief of Chaplains, Rear Adm. Robert Burt. 
 
"Never before in the history of the chaplains corps have we collaborated with Navy medicine and focused on an issue that is a number-one priority to both organizations."
 
In a letter to the PDTC participants, the Director of Navy Staff, Vice Adm. John C. Harvey, said that with the increased occurrences of mental health problems resulting from combat operations, research is bearing out that the body, mind and spirit must be collectively considered in order to present a holistic model of quality care.
 
"When a Sailor joins the Navy team, our commitment automatically extends to their family," wrote Harvey. 
 
"Mission success not only depends on the individual readiness of our people but also on the preparedness of their families. Supporting Navy families is critical to mission success."
 
At the PDTC training conference there were more than 80 participants, including chaplains and numerous religious program specialists, medical personnel, Fleet and Family Support Program representatives, along with members from the Navy and Marine Corp Relief Society.
 
"The people who are participating in the conference are going to walk away with a new understanding," said Capt. Richard Westphal, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, on-site training manager. 
 
"They are going to leave here with more tools to help families help themselves with whatever difficulty they may encounter, to the best of their ability."
 
The three-day seminar taught participants new tools and ways to help families and service members with situations ranging from an individual augmentee assignment, deployment to general concerns.
 
"This training is allowing me to understand how to deal with situations I have not had to deal with in my regular life," said Religious Program Specialist Seaman Eric Ford, USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). "I am learning the proper channels to go and refer people to in order to assist them in the best possible means for their situation."
 
Navy Knowledge Online offers a Stress Injury Continuum chart available at www.nko.navy.mil. 
 
For more news from Commander, Navy Region Northwest, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnrnw/. 
 
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NNS090430-12. Navy Stern Flap Installations Project to Save Millions in Fuel Costs
 
From Naval Sea Systems Command Office of Corporate Communications
 
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy began installing stern flaps this month on amphibious ships in an effort make ships more fuel efficient and save up to $450,000 in fuel costs per ship annually. 
 
USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41), the first dock landing ship to receive stern flaps, began the installation process mid-April during a scheduled maintenance availability in Norfolk, Va. The ship is expected to head back to sea in late November.
 
"A stern flap, located on the aft end of a ship, makes the ship more hydrodynamic, reducing drag and the energy required to propel them through the water," said Petter Kristiansen, Fleet Readiness Research and Development Program (FRR&DP) program manager. "Previous installations on other Navy ships generated annual fuel savings of $365,000 to $450,000 per ship." 
 
The first stern flap installation on an LSD represents a major milestone for Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) FRR&DP. Once installed fleetwide on both LSDs and LHDs, the initiative is expected to yield an annual cost avoidance of approximately $6.3 million, based on fuel oil costing $96 per barrel. 
 
"This is an excellent example of the Navy incorporating a proven, commercially available fuel-saving technology into our ships," said Kristiansen. "FRR&DP examines new technologies that offer reduced fuel consumption and significant return on investment but must be tested and validated before fleetwide implementation. 
 
"In these days of lean budgets and volatile fuel prices, we have to identify programs capable of delivering maximum return on investment. Stern flaps deliver immediate and long-term fuel savings."
 
USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) is scheduled to receive the first LHD stern flap installation this summer, Kristiansen added. The ship is in a major maintenance overhaul at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY).
 
Stern flaps for LSDs, LHDs and other Navy ships were designed and model-tested by Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division (NSWCCD), a NAVSEA field activity. 
 
Other energy-saving FRR&DP initiatives include underwater hull anti-fouling coatings, solid-state lighting and replacing obsolete boiler control system components on LHDs and general-purpose assault ships (LHAs) with new components that allow automated adjustment of boiler inputs for maximum efficiency.
 
FRR&DP is one of five programs managed or administered by the NAVSEA Fleet Readiness Engineering Office (FREO), located at NAVSEA Headquarters, Washington Navy Yard.
 
For more news from Naval Sea Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/navsea/. 
 
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NNS090430-09. Lookouts On Board Key to Protecting Marine Life
 
From U.S. Fleet Forces Command
 
NORFOLK (NNS) -- When it comes to protecting marine mammals and other marine life, Navy lookouts play a crucial role. The eyes and ears of Sailors are the first line of defense protecting ships from striking or being struck by anything in the water. 
 
The first time Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Joshua Waters spotted whales, he was standing one of his earliest lookout watches aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96), based in Norfolk. Then a seaman recruit, he was on the fantail when he and a fellow boatswain's mate heard splashing in the water off the Virginia Capes. They saw whales surfacing. Though the animals were near the stern of the ship, they immediately reported their presence to the bridge.
 
"It's always been stressed since I first started going out to sea," he said. "Report anything you see."
 
That level of awareness is vital for any lookout, especially during anti-submarine warfare training that uses active sonar. Active sonar introduces sound into the water, and the Navy takes care to make sure those operations do not occur where marine mammals are sighted in close proximity.
 
The Navy takes a total of 29 steps to protect marine life, including using well-trained, eagle-eyed lookouts. Lookouts use visual aids such as high-powered binoculars, night vision equipment, and sound-powered phones. 
 
Other proactive measures include marine mammal awareness training for lookouts and other key personnel, special operating procedures, including safety zones for reducing power or shutting off sonar at specified distances from marine mammals; and reporting requirements for marine mammal strandings, beachings, mortalities or unusual behavior.
 
These measures are designed to meet two commitments simultaneously – serving as a steward of the ocean environment and training Sailors realistically.
 
For more news from Ocean Stewardship, visit www.navy.mil/local/oceans/. 
 
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