ArmyStrongPA Newsletter Oct-Nov 2011

STAND PROUD. STAND UNITED. STAND ARMY STRONG

The Official Publication of Harrisburg Recruiting BattalionOct-Nov 2011 Vol 3, Issue 1

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tml What’s All The Talk

About

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EDUCATION is key

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Give Army parents a break

Social media takes over Uniontown

Vote Today! Army Iron Man, Coach of the Year

Obama announces jobs initiatives for Veterans

ARE YOU UP FOR THE CHALLENGE?

YOUTH SUCCESSAT THE RACES

WHAT’S ALL THE TALKABOUT STEM?

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Staci Cretu & Bill Irwin

Christine June

Mark Mazarella

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featured articles

SIGNIFICANT EVENTS

DECEMBER

8 All American Bowl Presenta-tion - Boyertown HS9 Battalion Staff Holiday Party10 Mega FS Function - Hbg10 Army vs. Navy Game12 Hoop Stars & Wrestling Votes begin17 Dubois Christmas Concert25 Christmas Holiday28-29 Shamokin Holiday Tourna-ment29 Harrisburg Slam Fest

JANUARY

7 All American Bowl16 Martin Luther King Jr. Day

FEBRUARY

2 Groundhog Day Celebration9 Pittsburgh Advisory Board Meeting10 Franklin on Ice15-16 PSU Career Fair20 President’s Day

MARCH

3 Kids Day at Cranberry Mall5 Hoop Stars & Wrestling Votes end5-8 Education Tour - Ft. Lee Va.9 Lycoming College Career Fair22-23 PSU Career Fair24 Lock Haven University Career Fair

CommanderLt. Col. Brian K. Jenkins

Command Sergeant MajorCommand Sgt. Maj.

Reginald K. Washington

Executive Officer Maj. James Covington

Chief, Advertising & Public Affairs, Editor and Designer

Staci Cretu

Public Affairs Specialist,Associate Editor

Bill Irwin

Public Affairs Specialist,Associate Editor

Christine June

The battalion newsletter is authorized by AR360-1 for members of the U.S. Army. Con-tents of this publication are not necessarily the official views, or endorsement by the U.S. Gov-ernment, Department of Defense, Department of the Army, or the U.S. Army Recruiting Com-mand.

The newsletter is published bi-monthly by the Advertising and Public Affairs (A&PA) Office, U.S. Recruiting Battalion - Harrisburg.

Please mail or e-mail submissions and letters to: A&PA U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion - Harrisburg,54 M Ave., Suite 11New Cumberland, PA 17070COMM: (717) 614-2218FAX: (717) 614-2241E-mail: [email protected]

The newsletter is currently distributed elec-tronically and will be sent to everyone on the battalion distribution list and to those who re-quest a copy.

Deadline submissions for Dec/Jan. edition is Janurary 15.

Harrisburg Battalion Mission Harrisburg Recruiting Battalion conducts trans-formation to Pinnacle and full spectrum recruiting operations within the battalion area of operation in order to achieve FY12 mission, expand market share, execute specified training and command initiatives while maintaining a culture of values and Warrior Ethos, and ensuring the quality of life

of its Soldiers, Civilians, and Family members. Lt. Col. Brian K. JenkinsCommanding

Command Sgt. Maj. Reginald Washington

Command Sergeant Major

armystrongpa.wordpress.com/newsletter

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I’ve been in command just over six months now and I’m honored each and every day to be part of such an outstanding organization. Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 was a year of significant person-nel changes and turnover and FY12 will be much of the same. The Army Reserve workload significantly increased over the last year, and I’m very impressed with how each of you adjusted, remained focused and contributed to the overall process. Thanks for your continued commitment, teamwork and extremely hard work overcoming the many challenges faced with the recent Pinnacle transition. Some of the new facilities have been signed for and are just waiting for new furniture. Most of the other new facilities or expansions are scheduled to be completed throughout 2012. Thanks again to all of the Veterans who served and fought for our great country in the past as well as our troops who continue to wear the uniform today. On Veterans Day, I had the opportunity to go back to my Elementary School in Connecticut and attend an extremely uplifting ceremony. The children sang songs and read poems to more than 60 Veterans spanning from World War II to the present. I am from a very small town, and it was great to feel the patriotism and support of all involved. Once again, winter is quickly approaching and many of us will be traveling in the upcoming month. Please plan accordingly, moni-tor the weather forecast; and be safe in your travels. Always think safety, especially while driving during this time of year. Be aware of the deer that are roam-ing everywhere, and remember that the roads can get very slick especially with all of the fallen leaves. Also, be especially careful on wet road surfaces when the temperature drops, particularly bridges and overpasses because they tend to freeze first. Hopefully, everyone had a chance to enjoy their Thanksgiving weekend with Family and friends. The Battalion HQ Holiday Event is scheduled to be held at the Susquehanna Club on Dec. 9 from 3 to 6 p.m. I know that each of your units will be having holiday events of their own, and I hope all of you can relax and enjoy the festivities. As we celebrate during this Holiday Season, don’t forget about our deployed troops who are spending this time away from their Families, as they continue to fight for our freedom. Also, continue to support and help your battle buddies and teams when needed; you know each other best. For the “Cold Steel” Family members, please feel free to contact myself or CSM at any time if you need assistance or help with anything.

Happy Holidays to all!

and to the

‘Cold Steel’ Family

ARE YOU UPFOR THE CHALLENGE?

In recent years, childhood obesity has become a significant problem in the United States according to the American Acad-emy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. In fact, between 16 and 33 percent of children and adolescents are obese. According to Pennsylvania Department of Health, “the percent-age of overweight youth in Pa. (18%) is slightly higher than the national average (15%).” A recent research study conducted by Pennsylvania State University stated that “10 percent of 10-to-15 year-old children who were at a healthy weight in childhood were obese at age 25, whereas, 75 percent of those children who were at risk for overweight in childhood were obese at age 25, and 80 percent of those were overweight as children were obese at age 25.”Understanding that for many individuals overweight begins in

childhood and tracks into adulthood, the Harrisburg Battalion launched a 10-day, 10-schools “Army Strong Fitness Challenge,” throughout Pennsylvania. This was an effort to assist Pennsylvania schools in their war on childhood obesity. Emulating the Army’s Physical Fitness Test events, students in grades 9-to-12 were challenged to com-plete two-minutes of push-ups, pull-ups and sit-ups. Although, Chambersburg Center Commander, Sgt. 1st Class Bradley Burtch had his own unique push-up chal-lenge to motivate the students at Gettysburg High School to get fit called the “Burtch push-up challenge.”In the pre-dawn hours of Nov 14, waiting for Gettysburg High School to open, Sgt. 1st. Class Bradley Burtch and

Staff Sgt. Carl Jones were talking with administrators, explaining how this challenge would prepare the students for the schools’ upcoming par-ticipation in the President’s Physical Fitness Challenge. Burtch went on to explain how he was going to see if he could incorporate the “Burtch push-up challenge” into the day’s activities. This simple plan would prove to be the singular event that would leave the students asking for more, and keeping the Army fresh in their minds. On the premise Burtch’s challenge was simple, “I challenge any student


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By Staci Cretu and Bill Irwin, Harrisburg A&PA

Above: JROTC cadets from Gettysburg high school show proper form during Army Strong Challenge tour Nov 14. Photo by Bill Irwin.

Sgt. 1st Class Burtch challenges students to keep up with his own variation of the push-up. Burtch is caught in mid-air as he performs his 180 degree spin. Photo by Bill Irwin.

ARE YOU UPFOR THE CHALLENGE?

in this class to 10 push-ups, all done at my pace with your fellow students doing the count.” Even at that takers were, on the outset

slow to step forward. However, Burtch was able to sweeten the pot by offering a special award to be delivered the following day to anyone who could keep up. That offer capped the deal.With at least six students participating in this ad-ditional “Burtch push-up challenge,” he explained how the Army assists Soldiers in staying physical-ly fit and started the competition. At the ready “No not on your knees he would exclaim, that’s not how you start a push-up, remember if any part of your under belly touches your classmates will call you out!”

One, Two Three, slowly, slowly he started lowering himself to the mat, until at 10 he was in the prone position, then ten, nine, eight, just as slowly pushing himself up to the rest position, “that’s one” he said, groans elicited from the participants, laughter from their classmates. Then push-up two followed similar to one, followed by three rapid ones. Then the real fun

started, on push-up number six Burtch had the challengers lower and hold, shift to the left then to the right followed by a slow rise, “that’s six.” Next came the coup-de-grace, this time when in the prone position mere inches off the ground, Burtch spun 180 degrees to the left, then to the right, at this point , no student could compete any further. Burtch and Jones both agreed to present students who made

it that far with their special award. But after the first class, word got out about the

Soldier who could perform apparently super feats and out push-up even the schools finest athletes. Class after class came into the weight room (where the Army Strong Challenge was being con-ducted) to see and speak to the two Soldiers about how they remain in shape. Word even spread to the cafeteria where Burtch was approached being asked if he was the one who did the “helicopter spin.” Making an indelible impression, “Maybe now, come spring, we will be invited back, just so the students can see the Soldier doing those amazing push-ups,” said Jones.“Physical fitness is an important factor in fighting childhood obesity.” said Burtch. “The fact that the Army Fitness Challenge allowed us (Soldiers) to mentor students on proper techniques to use to stay physically fit and the importance of it, is the first step the Army is taking to help in the battle against obesity.”


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Below: Staff Sgt. Jones partners up with a student to assist him in count and form during the push-up portion of the Army Strong challenge. Photo by Bill Irwin

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Photos and Story by Christine June, A&PA

Motivating today’s youth was the victory that the U.S. Army raced to win at the 27th Annual Toyo Tires National Hot Rod Association Nationals held Sept. 30 to Oct. 2 at the Maple Grove Raceway in Mohnton, Pa. The Harrisburg Recruiting Company assisted in the U.S. Army’s market-ing activities for the NHRA weekend – dubbed as the Reading event.Actually, the recruiters’ involvement began the week of Sept. 26 with U.S. Army Show Car visits at four high schools throughout the company’s footprint. “We wanted to make sure that each of our opportunity centers had a chance to benefit from these show car visits,” said the Harrisburg Re-cruiting Company Commander Capt. Ryan Greenawalt, who cited these centers as Harrisburg, Lancaster and Reading. The last of these school visits also showcased the U.S. Army sponsored NHRA Seven-Time World Champion Tony “The Sarge” Schumacher with his dragster when he visited the Wilson High School in Reading, Pa., on Sept. 29. This is the 11th year that the U.S. Army has sponsored Schumacher, who holds the record for the most wins as a top fuel driver. Schumacher has won six of his seven titles while being the spokesman for the U.S. Army. Last year marked the first time that Schumacher’s dragster was placed inside a school gym – a feat that was repeated again this year at Wilson High School. After last year’s visit, Schumacher told the Reading Opportu-nity Center Commander Sgt. 1st Class David Woodruff that this was one of

the most organized out of the hundreds of schools he has visited as the U.S. Army’s spokesman. Woodruff was the company’s NCOIC for last and this year’s NHRA activi-ties. “They’ve topped that this year,” Schu-macher said.

More than 1,800 Wilson High School students – the entire school body

YOUTHSUCCESS

National Hot Rod Association Seven-Time World Champion Tony "Sarge" Schumacher talks to high school students about preparing for the future Sept. 29 at the Wilson High School in Reading, Pa. Schumacher has been sponsored by the U.S. Army for 11 years.

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General l. Colin Powell ServiCe award winner

from freshmen to seniors – listened as Schumacher talked about the impor-tance of education for future success and perks of driving the U.S. Army car. “I race against every car (in competitions) and that car,” Schumacher said as he pointed to the dragster with the huge lettering “U.S. Army” sprawled on every visible side, “wins championship after championship. “Let me tell you guys,” Schumacher continued, “it’s not me. I’m just the guy who loves getting into a race car, but we (Schumacher and his team) get inspired by some pretty awesome people – Soldiers. I know the people who saved (Pfc.) Jessica Lynch and captured (Osama) bin Laden. I get to hang out with these guys every day. Those are my guys. I get to drive that car.” Weekend events began with the Youth and Education Services experience, which included panel discussions and holding-area events such as Team-Ups competitions. Panel members were Schumacher, Motorcycle Cham-pion Steve Johnson and Hometown Hero and Bronze Star Medal Recipient Staff Sgt. (P) James Slough, the Harrisburg Opportunity Center commander. More NHRA events for the Harrisburg Recruiting Company included a Day at the Races center of influence function on Oct. 1, Strength in Action Zone from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2 and color guard presentation during the Race Pageantry held before the finals on Oct. 2 at the track. “Feels safe and it’s heavy,” said Andrew Mitchell, 18, describing the combat hel-met he put on while visiting the SIAZ on Oct. 1. “The Army’s cool.” The U.S. Army Recruiting Command Deputy Commanding General Brig. Gen. Henry Huntley and Command Sgt. Maj. Todd Moore attended the event.

AT THE RACES

Sgt. 1st Class Micah Rittel, from the Harrisburg Opportunity Center, talks to youths at the Strength in Action Zone on Sept. 30 at the 27th Annual Toyo Tires National Hot Rod Asso-ciation Nationals at the Maple Grove Raceway in Mohnton, Pa.

Andrew Mitchell, 18, tries on a combat helmet at the Strength in Action Zone on Sept. 30 during the 27th An-nual Toyo Tires National Hot Rod Association Nationals held at the Maple Grove Raceway in Mohnton, Pa.

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About

?By Mark Mazarella, Education Services Specialist

ust when you thought you had all the acronyms nailed down, here comes another one: STEM! Over the past few years STEM, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineer-ing, and Math, has become a household word in the edu-cation community. As you might have noticed, STEM has recently found its way into the military vocabulary as well.

In fact, in July 2009 the Department of Defense established the “STEM Development Office” at the Pentagon. This new organiza-tion, headed by the Deputy Director for Defense Research and Engineering, includes a board of directors comprised of more than 90 military and civilian leaders from across DoD “who are committed to creating world-class STEM capabilities for DoD and the Nation.” This “STEM think tank” recently published the DoD STEM Education and Outreach Strategic Plan 2010-2014. The Plan establishes DoD’s vision to “develop a diverse, world-class STEM talent pool for DoD that will also benefit the Nation.” According to the DoD Strategic Plan, DoD’s investments will focus on “build-ing STEM skills and abilities, improving high school graduation rates, and increasing the percentage of STEM college graduates by 2020.” So, why do we care about STEM and what are the implications for USAREC? Placing emphasis on STEM is important for two reasons. First and foremost, due to a combination of factors that includes staggering high school dropout rates, the decline of the intact family unit, an underfunded public education system struggling to attract and retain quality teachers, and fewer college-bound students pursuing science and engineering, we as a nation are

at risk of losing the technological edge that has defined the United States for decades. Other nations are simply producing more scientists and engineers than us. This not only has obvious economic implications, but also presents a risk to our national security and military superiority. The second reason is to dispel the myth that the Army is a “low-tech” organization.

As a recruiter, what role do you play in DoD’s STEM

J “A STEM-literate citizenry is critical if the Na-tion is to compete more effectively in the global marketplace. The production of foreign STEM talent is growing exponentially, and U.S. insti-tutions of higher education are facing greater competition for talent. In addition, global access to leading technology allows competitors to field capabilities in dramatically shorter time frames than in the past. Those challenges affect U.S. se-curity interests, domestically and internationally, and they affect DoD’s ability to optimize discov-ery and innovation.” –DoD STEM Education and Outreach Strategic Plan


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About

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As a recruiter, what role do you play in DoD’s STEM strategy? It has been said that “the Army starts with USAREC.” As a Soldier assigned to USAREC and a professional recruiter, you not only play an important role in inspiring young men and women of promise to step up and serve our Nation, but you are also a role model. You possess the ability to inspire young people to stay in school, graduate, and give themselves options to realize their potential as productive citizens—whether they choose a path of military service or not. You also have the ability to increase awareness of and inspire interest in STEM-related careers among the student population with whom you interact. How can you help? Bring your STEM experiences into the classroom! The fact is, ev-ery Soldier is a “STEM resource!” Regardless of MOS, every Soldier has been exposed to state-of-the-art technologies and as a result received “STEM-related” training to some degree. Whether your primary MOS is combat arms, combat support or service support, the fact is every job in today’s modern Army involves cutting edge technologies made possible by scientists and engineers. Combat engineers, for example, are taught to read blueprints and use geometric concepts in drafting techniques; wheeled vehicle mechanics employ computerized engine diagnostics to troubleshoot malfunctions; artillery and air defense Soldiers use sophisticated equipment and concepts to detect and engage targets; supply technicians employ automated logistics systems to inventory, requisition and track replacement parts worldwide; MPs employ computer assisted accident reconstruction techniques; combat medics utilize 3-D imaging equipment; communications specialists use satellite communications systems to link globally; and air assault or pathfinder-trained Soldiers must understand how to prepare an LZ, rig loads for aerial transport and calculate weight and balance computations. Science and technology is involved in all of the above! Simply put, every Soldier has a STEM story to tell! In addition to “MOS-specific” STEM applications, nearly all MOS’ are exposed

to technologies that include satellite-based navigation systems, infra-red and laser technologies. Even the MREs Soldiers consume are the result of significant STEM-related research and develop-ment—such as caloric design, shelf life, special packaging—even the self-contained, chemically-activated heater; none of which would exist without leveraging science and technology. As a Soldier, chances are you already posses a STEM experience that you can bring to life in the classroom in order to help expose students to military applications of science and technology. In addition to your own story, local Reserve units can help by provid-ing Soldiers and hands-on resources to conduct or enhance your classroom presentations. The Army’s education website, www.Ar-myEdspace.com, also highlights Army-sponsored STEM initiatives schools can use to raise interest and awareness through STEM-re-lated programs and activities such as the West Point Virtual Bridge Design Contest and eCYBERMISSION. Finally, in an effort to enhance perceptions in schools and com-munities that the Army is truly a high-tech organization, the Army is building an interactive mobile exhibit focusing on STEM career opportunities to help communicate this message across the coun-try. Participants will be immersed in an interactive scenario set in the year 2032 where they must use engineering and technology skills to solve a world crisis. This new ASB asset is scheduled to be available for use by the recruiting field force in 2nd quarter, Fiscal Year 2012, with future plans to incorporate the content with goarmy.com so students can continue the experience online. By promoting STEM-related opportunities in schools, Soldiers can illustrate the many high-tech aspects of the Army, and inspire students to pursue STEM-related postsecondary experiences—in the military, civil service or civilian sector—to help DoD and our Nation build a diverse, world-class STEM talent pool necessary to safeguard our Nation’s security and insure America remains com-petitive in the global marketplace.


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The Army recognizes the challenges and extraordinary amounts of stress you and your family may experience when a Family member is deployed or is geographically separated from normal Army support structures. The Army wants to help support you in meeting your unique child care needs.

Eligibility Requirements:

To take advantage of the Give Army Parents a Break, you or your spouse need only be a member in one of the following categories:

Mission Level 1 and 2 – Eligible for 16 hours/child/month• Deployed-(for30dayspriorand90daysafterreturn)• TemporaryChangeofStation• PermanentChangeofStation• TDY(90-129days)• Wounded,Ill,Injured• SurvivorsofFallenWarriors

Mission Level 3 – Eligible for 8 hours/child/month • RecruitersandDrillSergeants• CadetCommand• RearDetachmentCadre–onlyMay-September

Participation Requirements:

To participate, you only need to fill out and submit a short application and choose a state-licensed child care provider. You can download an application from http://www.naccrra.org/MilitaryPrograms/army/fee-assistance-pro-grams/for-army-families.php. To find a provider who meets the requirements to serve your family, you can Contact Child Care Aware® at 1-800-424-2246 for a personal consultation or search online for providers already pre-quali-fied to serve Army Families in your area.

Child Care Aware® is a program of NACCRRA, the National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies. Through its national toll-free hotline and Web site, Child Care Aware® helps parents find the best information on locating high-quality child care and child care resources in their community. Child Care Aware® also helps military families by directing them to appropri-ate military programs and helping them determine their eligibility for child care fee assistance. To learn more, visit www.childcareaware.org.

Give Army Parents a Break

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Staff Sgt. Ryan Cataline has taken an active role in order to get Uniontown Opportunity Center moving forward with social media. Cataline is utilizing a QR code and customizing it with specific center information. Every busi-ness card passed out at community or high school events, not only has the recruiters basic information, it also has the centers QR code, Twitter account, and Facebook account. In addition Uniontown Center’s RPI’s and PPI’s contain the same detailed information. This utilization of social media has allowed the public in Uniontown the ability to access information on the Army and Uniontown Opportunity Center through a variety of different medians. Within the first month of starting this initiative, Uniontown Center has seen a drastic increase in the number of personnel who are accessing their social media sites.

A&PA Staff Report The 2011 Army Iron Man and Coach of the Year for Pennsylvania winners were announced on Monday, Dec. 5. Mt. Lebanon’s Luke Hagy was voted the Army Iron Man of the Year. Hagy totaled 2,125 all-pur-pose yard with 25 touchdowns and 6 two-point conversions while making 81 tackles with three interceptions and 11 passes defended.

Army Iron Man FinalistsBryton Barr – Mechanicsburg HS

Deshan Brown – Bethlehem-Center HSZach Chattingsworth – South Fayette HS

James Dougherty – York Catholic HSJulian Durden – Montour HS

Mike Felton – Southwestern HSLuke Hagy – Mt. Lebanon HS

Jerome Robinson – Southwestern HSZach Smith – West Perry HS

Alex Strezeki – Knoch HS

Knoch High School’s Mike King is the U.S. Army Coach of the Year for Pennsylvania. He was nominated as the best high school football coach, leading Knoch Knights to a 12-1 record this season.

Coach of the Year FinalistsRodger Beitel Ligonier Valley HS

Ray Braszo – West Mifflin HSBill Cherpak – Thomas Jefferson HSJon Defoe – Bermudian Springs HS

Mike King – Knoch HSJohn Manion – Lampeter-Strasburg HS

Dave McDonald – Connellsville HSPaul Reduzzi – Penn-Trafford HS

Matt Taylor-Burgettstown HS

The 2011 Army Iron Man will receive a one-of-a-kind ring made by The Jostens, Inc. – the legendary jeweler of championship rings worn by the greatest athletes in the world. The 2011 Coach of the Year gets to bring a trophy back to his or her school.

And the winners are:

QR Codes Users with a camera

phone equipped with the correct reader

application can scan the image of the QR code to

display links on mo-bile pages directing users

straight to the recruiting station content.

By Capt. Michelle Veach, Greensburg Company Commander

By Donna Miles, American Forces Press

Service

Obama announces... jobs initiatives for veterans


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resident Barack Obama announced executive orders today to give tax credits to employers who hire post-9/11 veterans and wounded warriors, as well as enhanced career counseling and related services for veterans. The president, flanked by veterans association repre-sentatives in the White House Rose Garden, expressed concern that unemployment continues to increase among post-9/11 veterans, de-spite the skills and attributes they have to offer. Today's 9/11 genera-tion has performed heroically in some of the world's most dangerous places, he said, and "done everything that we've asked of them." "We ask our men and women in uniform to leave their families and their jobs, and risk their lives to fight for our country," he said. "And the last thing they should have to do is fight for a job when they come home. "And that's why we're here today," he continued, "to do everything in our power to see to it that America's veterans have the opportuni-ties that they deserve and that they have earned." To incentivize employers to hire them, the president announced a new Returning Heroes Tax Credit that will provide companies up to $5,600 in credits for each unemployed veteran they hire. Similarly, a new Wounded Warriors Tax Credit offers employers up to $9,600 for each veteran with service-connected disabilities they hire. Obama also announced new initiatives designed to make it easier for veterans to find jobs. Effective today, post-9/11 veterans can download a Veteran Gold Card that entitles them to six months of personalized case manage-ment, assessments and counseling services at roughly 3,000 One-Stop Career Centers nationwide. This service, which makes good on a pledge Obama made during a speech at the Washington Navy Yard in August, could benefit more than 200,000 post-9/11 veterans, White House officials said. In addition, the Labor Department today launched an online tool, My Next Move for Veterans, where veterans can enter informa-tion about their military experience and skills to identify civilian careers that put that experience to use, the president explained.The site also offers information about salaries, ap-prenticeships, and other related education and training programs, officials said.

Meanwhile, a new job bank that also took effect today will help connect unemployed veterans to job openings at companies seeking to hire veterans, Obama said. Developed in partnership with lead-ing job search companies, the registry enables employers to tag job postings for veterans. Obama noted today that more than 500,000 job openings already have been tagged. Meanwhile, the president urged Congress to move forward with his jobs bill that he said will further increase employment opportunities for veterans. Obama recognized the leadership capabilities and specialized skills veterans bring to the workplace at a time when the nation needs those capa-bilities to stay competitive.

"Connecting our veterans to the jobs they deserve isn't just the right thing to do for our veterans, it's the right thing to do for America," he said. Recognizing that Americans are commemorating Veterans Day this week, the president called it a time to honor those who have served in uniform and to "commit ourselves to serving them as well as they have served us." "As commander in chief, I want all our veterans to know that we are forever grateful for your service and for your sacrifice," he said. "And just as you fought for us, we're going to keep fighting for you: for more jobs, for more security, for the opportunity to keep your fami-lies strong and to keep America competitive in the 21st century."

Obama announces... jobs initiatives for veterans

Photo Credit: Pete Souza, White House-President Barack Obama signs an executive

order on the Employment of Veterans in the Federal Government, Nov. 9, 2009, in

the Oval Office at the White House. Obama announced executive orders Nov. 7, 2011, to give tax credits to employers who hire

post-9/11 veterans and wounded warriors, as well as enhanced career counseling and

related services for veterans.

PBy Donna Miles, American Forces Press Service


12 • OCT/NOV 2011 • 13

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ArmyStrongPA Newsletter Oct-Nov 2011