U.S. General Petraeus Claims Decrease In Violence in Iraq
By Lolita Baldor The Associated Press
BAGHDAD — Citing a 60 percent decline in violence in Iraq over the last six months, General David Petraeus said Thursday that maintaining security is easier than establishing it and gives him more flexibility in deploying forces.
Armed with charts showing that as of Wednesday, weekly attacks and Iraqi civilian deaths have plunged to levels not seen here since early 2006, Petraeus said the reduction lets him make force adjustments to address remaining problem areas, which would include northern Iraq.
Speaking to reporters at the U.S. military’s Camp Victory, he said the improved security is due to a number of factors including a “a reduction in some of the signature attacks that are associated with weapons provided by Iran,” as well as a cease-fire called by radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr that he said had a particularly noticeable impact what had been one of the most violent areas of Baghdad.
And he said there has been a “reduction in some of the signature attacks” associated with insurgents using Iranian weapons, including deadly armor-piercing rounds.
But, he added, that it is “hard to tell if that’s because there has already been a cessation of provision of those items, or if there has been direction to stop.”
At the same time, he said the military has detained individuals as recently as October who were trained by Iranians, evidence that the instruction has continued.
Petreaus, who is scheduled to give Congress and the American people an update next March on progress in Iraq, and map out some plans for U.S. force levels down the road, refused to offer too much optimism.
“Nobody says anything about turning a corner, seeing lights at the end of tunnels, any of those other phrases,” said Petraeus. “You just keep your head down and keep moving.”
He said that around Thanksgiving commanders looked back at violence levels a year ago, and six months ago, and found a declining line in which violence had declined from a time when hundreds of Iraqis were killed and injured and US troops took heavy losses in a number of horrific attacks, to a time of still somewhat steady but less deadly attacks, to a day last month when there were just 45-50 attacks.
Petraeus met for about an hour Thursday with Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who was in Iraq for his sixth visit in the past year.
The general has overseen the military’s build up in Iraq this year, as force levels jumped to 20 combat brigades, with more than 180,000 troops, during certain times when some of the units overlapped as they moved in and out of the country.
“There’s nobody in uniform who is doing victory dances in the end zone,” said Petraeus, saying it will require more tough work against a very dangerous adversary.
Italian Carabinieri Training Iraqi National Police Friday, 07 December 2007 CAMP DUBLIN — Italian Maj. Gen. Alessandro Pompegnani, deputy commander, NATO Training Mission – Iraq, and Italian Col. Fabrizio Parrulli, commander of the Italian Carabinieri Team, hosted a media day focusing on Carabinieri technique training for the Iraqi National Police Dec. 5. The first eight-week training course for 450 Iraqi National Police began Oct. 27.
The participants range from junior to senior level police and the training covers a wide range of policing areas, from counter-insurgency to riot control. The training will assist eight battalions and will run for two years.
The Carabinieri training team is composed of specialized instructors, most from 2nd Mobile Brigade. This unit carries out overseas operations, overseas military assistance and training and provides the bulk of Carabinieri international missions.
“The aim of this training is to create specialized units inside the Iraqi National Police, enabling them to face security issues across the country. Within the 15 areas of training, the course includes crowd control operations, civil disturbances and criminal investigations activities,” said Parrulli.
An element of good policing is to have a trust relationship with the public. One of the goals of the training team is to transform the old way of policing into one that will function in a rebuilt nation.
“This training was built on the real needs of the Iraqi National Police, for carrying out current and future tasks that will be assigned to them by the Iraqi Prime Minister,” said Parrulli. “Not only is training specialized for current operations, but for future building of the new Iraqi National Police.”
Leaders Aim to ‘Put Law Back in Iraq’ Sunday, 09 December 2007
CAMP STRIKER — Throngs of Iraqi key political leaders gathered at the home of Abid Hassan Saloom in Sadr Yusufiyah Dec. 6 to discuss the future of Iraq. The theme of the meeting was “Put the Law Back in Iraq” and it was attended by a multitude of prominent community leaders, Iraqi Security Forces and Iraqi Army officials. Of note were Dr. Ahmed Chalabi, former leader of the Iraqi National Congress, Sheik Somar, Yusufiyah nahia council president, 4th Iraqi Army Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Ali Jassim Mohammed Hassen Al-Frejee, Sheik Halal Al Hemdawni, as well as representatives from the Mahmudiyah council and the chief of the Mahmudiyah Iraqi Police.
An estimated 1,000 leaders from various sectors listened to several speakers talk about what it will take to achieve a safe, secure Iraq and discuss other reconciliation issues and the rebuilding of Iraq.
“Today’s governance meeting provided a forum for local leadership to interact with the government of Iraq – an entity which has been noticeably absent within the area,” said Capt. Ryan Bulger, intelligence officer for 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). The unit provided security for the event, along with the Iraqi Army.
As the keynote speaker, Chalabi addressed topics that weigh heavily on the people of Iraq. He said it is very important to get every displaced Iraqi back to his home.
Too many families have had to grieve the loss of their sons and Chalabi said security is a priority.
“We need everyone here to feel like he is a part of government; this is our government,” he said, explaining that locals are key in securing Iraq’s future. “The government must support the people.”
Chalabi said he recognizes that obtaining the desired goals will be no easy feat, but said the people of Iraq deserve to have their requests answered.
Other issues addressed were the need for cell phone towers in the area, the importance of freedom of movement, the need to support the Iraqi Army and the attempt to complete the Yusifiyah Thermal Power Plant. Completion of the power plant would yield approximately 5,000 jobs.
Chalabi gave his word to take the concerns voiced at the meeting to “high-ranking officials in Baghdad”.
(Story by Sgt. 1st Class Kerensa Hardy, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division)
In Other Recent Developments Here:
BAGHDAD — Coalition forces captured three wanted individuals and seven additional suspects during operations Sunday to disrupt al-Qaida networks in central and northern Iraq.
CAMP VICTORY — The number of Iraqi-led reconciliation efforts swelled over the past two weeks across Multi-National Division – Center, as local Iraqi leaders seek to capitalize on an improved security situation by developing the institutions that will enable long-term stability.
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces captured three wanted individuals and seven additional suspects during operations Sunday to disrupt al-Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq.
During two coordinated operations in Baghdad, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual and three suspected terrorists. The wanted individual is an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq leader associated with media operations and propaganda.
Farther north in Mosul, Coalition forces captured another wanted individual believed to be an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader. He was allegedly involved in the terrorist network operating in the city and is thought to have ties to other terrorist leaders operating throughout northern Iraq. One of his associates reportedly provides weapons and improvised explosive device materials to the cell leaders for use in attacks in the area. In addition to the wanted individual, two other suspected terrorists were detained without incident.
During continued operations to disrupt terrorist networks in the Diyala River Valley, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be an al-Qaeda in Iraq cell leader for the network in Khan Bani Sad. Two of the wanted individuals’ close associates were recently detained by Coalition forces during operations Nov. 28 and Dec. 5 for their involvement in the network.
Two suspected terrorists were detained during an operation south of Salman Pak targeting an al-Qaeda in Iraq cell leader involved in facilitation of weapons and attacks on Coalition and Iraqi security forces.
“Iraqi and Coalition forces are targeting terrorists at every level,” said Col. Don Bacon, MNF-I spokesman. “The people of Iraq have chosen their future and al-Qaeda is not a part of it.”
Reconciliation takes center stage across Multi-National Division - Center Thursday, 06 December 2007 Multi-National Corps – Iraq Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory APO AE 09342
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE RELEASE No. 20071206-02 December 6, 2007
Reconciliation takes center stage across Multi-National Division - Center Multi-National Division – Center
CAMP VICTORY, Iraq – The number of Iraqi-led reconciliation efforts swelled over the past two weeks across Multi-National Division – Center as local Iraqi leaders seek to capitalize on an improved security situation by developing the institutions that will enable long-term stability.
With Coalition Forces and Iraqi Concerned Local Citizens working increasingly in tandem with the Iraqi Police and Army to solidify security relationships, a window has opened for local leadership to push forward business development and infrastructure repair and forge political relationships across sects and neighborhoods.
On Nov. 26, Khalif Haloos of the Sadr al Yusifiyah Nahia Governance Council hosted more than 500 sheiks from Sunni, Shi’a and Kurdish tribes. Also in attendance were Coalition Forces from the 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), who were the invited guests of the Iraqis who organized the meeting. Security for this meeting, the largest of several important reconciliation gatherings in MND-C in recent days, was provided by the Iraqi Security Forces.
“This meeting was an example of Sunnis and Shias working together,” said Col. Dominic Caraccilo, commander of 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div (AASLT). “The ISF took the lead in providing security for the meeting, and we had representation from all the key players in that area. That dynamic, coming from the local level, could be an example for the national government.”
The sheiks discussed reconciliation issues, from the return of displaced families, to a pact that would allow Iraqis of all sects to travel freely through the sheiks’ territory without fear of sectarian reprisal. They also discussed restraining Iranian influence, suppressing the remaining insurgents in their territory, and ways to integrate their activities with Iraq’s central government.
On Nov. 27 at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, leaders of the Iraqi Army and Police met with elected officials and Coalition commanders to discuss security cooperation and coordination in Babil province.
Col. Michael Garret, commander of the outgoing 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, used the occasion to say goodbye to the Iraqi leaders with whom he had worked for more than a year. Working to build on those relationships now is Col. Thomas James, commander of 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.
Although it’s early in James’ deployment, his brigade has seen many examples of local leaders taking steps to improve their community through Sunni and Shia cooperation, specifically from the Sunni sheik and the police chief in Musayyib.
Both will tell you that they are Iraqis first, not Sunni or Shia, and only want what’s good for their country and citizens, James said.
Another meeting was held Dec. 1 on the other side of MND-C at Forward Operating Base Hammer, east of Baghdad. Iraqi civic and tribal leaders in attendance offered frank assessments of their needs and asked U.S. and Iraqi officials for continued support with stabilization efforts.
Col. Wayne Grigsby, commander of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, said after the meeting, “I’ve spent 35 months of my life in Iraq, and this is the best I’ve ever seen it.” He noted, however, that there remain opportunities to synchronize U.S. and Iraqi efforts.
Part of that direction involves parlaying improved security and cooperation among the different parties to build a stepped-up reconstruction program. Similar to the reconciliation conferences that took place, the reconstruction effort is manifesting itself across MND-C as community development projects.
On Nov. 28, the 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery, 3rd HBCT, 3rd Inf. Div. opened a new medical clinic in Narwhan after the project was approved by Iraq’s Ministry of Health. As a signal of its commitment to the initiative, the ministry hired three doctors to work at the facility, two of whom are female.
The following day, the 1-10th FA conducted a school bag and bottled-water drop in Sabah Nisan. School children there received 180 school bags and 3,500 cases of water, distributed by the Concerned Local Citizens.
On Nov. 26, the Al-Wehda Nahia council celebrated with Iraqi and Coalition Forces the completion of a well system in al Sadiq. The system includes water pumps, storage tanks, a generator and quarters for a caretaker. The project was a joint effort by local Iraqis and Coalition Forces.
Finally, on Nov. 28, Iraqis celebrated the graduation of a class of small businessmen from an entrepreneur training program in the Mada’in Qada. The program helps develop business skills and planning among local business owners and then provides them with micro-grants to revitalize their businesses. As part of the program, U.S. military and civilian officials assess the proposals of the Iraqi graduates and award grants of up to $10,000 to eligible candidates.
Iraqi Citizens Provide Vital Information on Insurgents, Weapons Thursday, 13 December 2007
Soldiers from Company B, 1st Battalion, 15th Infrantry Regiment, prepare to enter a building during an air assault in Al Bawi, a small village outside of Salman Pak, Dec. 11. The building, which was later destroyed by rockets called in by Company B Soldiers, was an abandoned farmhouse being used by insurgents to stage attacks on Coalition forces. Photo by Sgt. Timothy Kingston, 55th Combat Camera.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER — Using information provided by members of a Concerned Local Citizens group, Soldiers from Company B, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, killed two insurgents, seized a weapons cache and destroyed an enemy stronghold during a nighttime air assault in Al Bawi, a small village outside of Salman Pak, Dec. 11. The cache contained mortars, grenades, improvised weapon making materials and an unknown explosive compound.
“The Soldiers performed well,” said Sgt. 1st Class Patrick Blount, from Hampton, Va., the scout platoon sergeant, Headquarters Company, 1-15th Inf. Regt. “They executed the plan as we rehearsed it. The biggest part of this and every other mission is the rehearsal. I tell my guys, ‘This isn’t our first air assault, but treat it like it is. Every mission is different. Don’t get complacent’.”
Insurgents had been using the farmhouse of a displaced family to stage attacks on Coalition forces and rival insurgent factions. At the direction of the Company B commander, Capt. Rich Thompson, from West Palm Beach, Fla., Soldiers from Battery C, 2nd Battalion, 4th Field Artillery (FA), fired three 210mm rockets from an M270 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System to destroy the building with the cache inside. The 2-4th FA is out of Fort Sill, Okla.
“This air assault helped us support the Concerned Local Citizens and will help them occupy check points,” said Capt. Todd Barrett, from Huntington Beach, Calif., the scout platoon leader in Headquarters Company, 1-15th Inf. Regt. “These checkpoints will help control extremist activity.”
Battalion leaders expressed their satisfaction with the successful mission.
“Our operations are having a profound impact on our area of operations and the extremists who try to operate within the area, said Maj. Steven Delgado, from Los Angeles, the 1-15th Inf. Regt. executive officer. “We have greatly reduced the number of IEDs (improvised explosive devices) within Task Force 1-15’s area of operations, detained or killed many extremist leaders; market areas are thriving and people are no longer afraid to leave their homes.”
The 1-15 Inf. Regt. is part of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.
(Story by Spc. Ben Hutto, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs)
Health Clinic Opens in Wahida, Provides Critical Medical Support Friday, 14 December 2007 Task Force Marne Public Affairs
Capt. Aaron Wilson, from Watertown, NY, 203rd Brigade Support Battalion surgeon, checks a patient's blood pressure during a free medical operation in Wahida, Iraq, Dec. 11. Photo by Sgt. Natalie Rostek.
COMBAT OUTPOST CLEARY — Soldiers and leaders of the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team attended a ribbon cutting ceremony Dec. 11 to open a Health Clinic in Wahida.
According to Capt. Matthew Givens, from Columbus, Ga., non-lethal effects officer for the 1-15th Inf. Regt., city council members came to the regiment leaders four months ago with concerns about the existing clinic's lack of space and equipment.
Council members and Soldiers decided to renovate the existing building by adding more examination rooms, an emergency room and an upstairs apartment for the doctors with two bedrooms, a kitchen and a bathroom.
"This clinic gives the doctors a lot more to work with and they will be able to treat more patients," Givens said. "With the upstairs apartment, doctors can stay overnight. Before, the doctors would have to come from Baghdad early, then leave and go back to Baghdad that same night."
Wahida has no hospital, Givens said. The new clinic will serve as the city's primary medical facility. It has enough room to bed patients overnight instead of treating them and sending them home. "The clinic is going to be helpful to the Wahida citizens," Dr. Taher Awaed, clinic director, said through a translator. "The clinic is good, however, with a few more pieces of equipment, it will be perfect. But everyone is very grateful."
Givens said more equipment is on the way, including an x-ray machine. After the ribbon cutting ceremony, doctors and medics from the 203rd Brigade Support Battalion (BSB) and the 489th Civil Affairs (CA) Battalion, a reserve unit from Knoxville, Tenn., currently attached to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team (HBCT), held a free medical operation.
Soldiers used four of the new health clinic rooms to treat men, women, and children from all over the city. Patients came to the medical staff with ailments ranging from the common cold to blood pressure problems.
"This is a way for me to give back to humanity," said Capt. Aaron Wilson, from Watertown, N.Y., 203rd BSB battalion surgeon. "It's a way for me to show God's love for everyone."
When patients were ready to be seen, they explained their medical issue to a 3rd HBCT physician or medic through a translator. "Going through the translator is tough," said Sgt. 1st Class Wayne Pack, from Knoxville, Tenn., a medic in the 489th CA. "You have to concentrate. You can't lose focus. After the conversation is translated, I sometimes wonder if I'm getting the full story. I enjoy it though. We get to see a lot of sick people and that's what we do. Most of these people don't have a lot of money. If we didn't do this, they wouldn't be getting any medical attention at all."
Awaed and Wilson agree the free medical treatment was well received by all.
"No one has come up to me directly but I can feel it," Awaed said through a translator. "I can see it in their eyes. They are very thankful for the Coalition forces for their help. Together, we just try to help as many people as we can."
"Everyone I saw was so grateful," Wilson said. "They all smiled and said 'thank you'. I just wish I could do more."
The 1-15th Inf. Regt. and the 203rd BSB are assigned to the 3rd HBCT, 3rd Infantry Division, from Fort Benning, Ga., and have been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.
More Units Receive Mine-Resistant Vehicles Friday, 14 December 2007 Task Force Marne Public Affairs
Sgt. Danan Sander (left) and Pfc. Cedric Miller, both of Company A, 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) were excited about the arrival of the new Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected vehicles to the Rakkasans' vehicle line-up. Photo by Capt. Allison Flannigan.
CAMP STRIKER — Christmas came a little early this year when the Rakkasans received 18 shiny, new Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected (MRAP) vehicles, Dec. 7.
The MRAP family of vehicles is the latest troop-carrying means of transportation introduced to Soldiers in theater. With the holiday season fast approaching, the delivery of the new vehicles had many Soldiers from the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), acting like kids on Christmas morning.
“It’s awesome,” exclaimed Sgt. Danan Sander, from Lexington, Mo., a team leader with Company A, 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment.
“It’s an all-around good truck,” said Pfc. Cedric Miller, a grenadier in Co. A, 1-187th Inf., from Blakely, Ga. “We need more.”
Several Rakkasan units received the new MRAP vehicles. The 3rd Special Troops Battalion’s engineer and headquarters companies and the 626th Brigade Support Battalion’s maintenance company each received two.
There are roughly 250 MRAP vehicles currently in use in Iraq with a goal to have 15,000 in theater within the next few years. The vehicle will replace the up-armored High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle that most units are currently using.
“The MRAP (vehicle) is designed to bring additional survivability to Soldiers on the battlefield,” said Lt. Col. Coll Haddon, from Warren, Mich., the joint program officer-forward for U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armament Command, based in Balad. “There is no added lethality; Soldiers use the same weapon systems and internal communications systems.”
The MRAP vehicle is designed to withstand a blast from most low-level improvised explosive devices currently used against Coalition forces. While not perfect, the MRAP vehicle is holding its own on the roads of Iraq.
The model just issued to the Rakkasans weighs in at more than 36,000 pounds. They are hand-assembled and delivered from West Point, Miss., to one of nine fielding sites in Iraq, the closest one being on Camp Seitz, Victory Base Complex.
When a unit is fielded an MRAP vehicle, maintenance Soldiers attend a five-day, 40-hour course. Mechanics learn about the structure of the vehicle, its maintenance requirements, its capabilities and limitations. The training does not end there; each battalion is assigned a field support representative (FSR) and a team of mechanics to continue training the Soldiers. The FSRs are scheduled to remain with the units for one year and the teams of mechanics are scheduled to stay between 45 and 60 days.
During the course, drivers and vehicle commanders participate in both day and night, on- and off-road driving exercises, and obstacle course-like exercises where they maneuver through jersey barriers.
Soldiers who complete the 40-hour training are operationally familiar with the equipment. It is up to the unit to make them tactically familiar. To enable the unit to educate Soldiers quickly, the fielding site provides the units with the training aides.
“Because it’s a first-generation model, we get to modify the vehicle to make it work for the Soldiers and their unique missions,” Sander said. If Soldiers find that augmentations are necessary, the welders in Company B, 626th BSB are ready for the task. For now it seems that the welders are more than satisfied with the MRAP vehicle.
“I like it. It feels safe with all the additional armor,” said Sgt. Rian Terry, a welder in Co. B, 626th BSB, Clarksville, Tenn. “It’s much roomier and easier to access equipment, especially with all your gear on.”
Having civilian FSRs and mechanics at the battalion level gives the Soldiers subject-matter experts who will teach them even more about the vehicle. The FSRs and mechanics will be available during maintenance, but will allow the Soldiers to do the hands-on work.
The MRAP vehicles come equipped with suspension seats for all passengers, air-assist doors, handy, because the doors weigh nearly 900 pounds each, and fire-suppression systems inside the vehicle, according to Lonnie Jordan, an FSR from Glendale, Ariz. The fire-suppression system is water-pure so there is no chance of Soldiers inhaling harmful chemicals. With all of the doors and hatches securely closed, the vehicle becomes airtight and capable of maneuvering Soldiers through chemically hazardous environments.
From start to finish, including all the parts, maintenance and delivery fees, each vehicle costs around $1 million. That is a big tab for a single vehicle, but it is hard to put a price tag on the safety of Soldiers.
While the MRAP vehicle is new to the Rakkasans, it is already making quite a splash with Rakkasan Soldiers. The means to travel safely down Iraqi roads is arguably one of the best gifts Soldiers can receive this holiday season.
Those were very good stories to read about our brave soldiers doing their jobs well Too bad we don't see any stories like these on the news or in the paper.
That's why I'll continue to bring them to you, and they can also be reached at that site, or you can sign up for their e-mail where they'll send them to you.
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
OK, so, does anybody here think McNulty's keeping taxes down? Now, this bill that was thrown on the table at the last minute has so many pork projects on it that it wasn't funny. Want to know how much Porky Pig Mike McNulty got in pork on this? This is the Fiscal Year 2008 Omnibus Appropriations bill, which the main thing it was passed for (supposedly) was to give the troops what they needed.
McNULTY ANNOUNCES SPENDING BILL INCLUDES OVER $5 MILLION FOR LOCAL PROJECTS
(Washington, DC): -- Congressman Michael R. McNulty (D-Green Island) has announced that the Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 Omnibus Appropriations bill, passed last night by the House of Representatives, includes $5,304,000 for projects throughout the Capital Region. The Senate must now pass the bill before it is sent to the White House for the President's review. The projects included in the bill, and proposed funding levels, are:
$487,000 for Hudson Valley Community College for a Weekend Nursing Program More than 200 students at Hudson Valley Community College are waiting to enter the college’s Nursing Program. Funding will be used for a new part-time Weekend Nursing program that would allow it to expand its program by 32 students per year.
$312,000 for St. Peter's Hospital for the Breast Cancer Center Funding will be used to expand the scope of services available on-site at St. Peter’s Breast Center through the construction of two procedure rooms. These rooms will contain six prep and recovery beds along with the associated equipment storage, utility rooms, and staff lockers. The new rooms would be located in the building that houses the Breast Center.
$312,000 for Albany Medical Center for a Children's Hospital Project Funding will be used for the renovation of an existing adult floor within the hospital to be used for the Children's Hospital. The floor will provide an additional 10 to 20 pediatric beds, a playroom, a new step down unit to transition children out of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and a family counseling room where families would meet with medical and social professionals to discuss ongoing care and prepare for critical decisions.
$487,000 for Albany Medical Center for a Patient Safety Center–Virtual Learning Center Funding would be used to create a “Virtual Learning Center” to educate and train medical students and residents, physicians, nurses, emergency response personnel (EMS) and other healthcare professionals. This virtual learning environment will use computer simulators, including computerized mannequins and specially designed rooms that can virtually mimic a trauma suite, an operating room, or a cardiac diagnostic lab.
$196,000 for the Unity House of Troy, Inc. Funding will be used to replace the existing 18 bed shelter with a 25 bed shelter for victims of domestic violence that will also serve as a model for other providers. The new shelter will include secure private spaces, community spaces for recreation, dining, and skill building, spaces for therapy and health care, play areas for children, and office spaces for staff.
$490,000 for the I-90 Exit 8 Phase 2 Connector Project This project includes the construction of an urban arterial roadway linking the existing Interstate 90 Exit 8 Phase 1 project in the southern portion of the Town of North Greenbush, Rensselaer County, New York, to Route 4 in the northern portion of the Town of North Greenbush. This amount will be added to the $16 million in federal funding designated for this project in prior appropriations bills.
$196,000 for the Capital District YMCA in Schenectady Funding will be used towards the construction of a new Schenectady YMCA. The new YMCA will contain a pre-school aged childcare center, dedicated spaces for youth, teen, and senior citizen programming, community rooms, a state-of-the-art fitness and wellness center, an aerobics studio, an indoor running/walking track, a double gymnasium, a warm water pool, a six-lane pool, steam room, sauna and whirlpools. It is a facility designed to meet the health, wellness, and recreational needs of the greater Schenectady community, for residents of all ages.
$1.3 million for SUNY Cobleskill for a Bio-Waste to Bio-Energy Project Funding will be used to develop a bio-waste to bio-energy center that will conduct research on a process that creates clean energy through the conversion of organic waste. The US patent-pending process to be tested in this project creates a renewable clean fuel and produces a material that can be used as fertilizer in agricultural applications.
$164,500 for the Albany Police Athletic League (PAL) After School Club Funds will be used to support this juvenile crime prevention program which brings kids and cops together in non-law enforcement type settings. It will establish and maintain programming at several sites in the city of Albany as part of an after school club sponsored by PAL.
$188,000 for A Child is Missing (ACIM) Funding will be used for maintaining and upgrading ACIM’s telephone technology and New York call lists. It will help cover the actual cost of making the calls in New York, support ACIM’s New York law enforcement training sessions, and establish community awareness meetings involving child safety issues throughout New York State.
$47,000 for the Albany Teen Challenge At Risk Youth Drug Prevention Program Funding will be applied toward expansion of the highly effective Long Island Teen Challenge “Rock the Block,” “Super Saturday Kids,” and “Hoop Challenge” drug prevention programs into the Albany area. Programs will be tailored to the Albany area and replicated with equal effectiveness to those operated by Long Island Teen Challenge.
$94,000 for the AIDS Council of Northeastern NY At-Risk Youth Prevention Initiative The requested funding will allow the AIDS Council to expand HIV prevention interventions to at-risk youth by establishing cutting edge projects that combine HIV/STD prevention, behavior change and development of life and vocational skills, including development of skills in the areas of computer and video technology, marketing and communication.
$540,500 for the Forensic Education and Research for the Future (FERF) Program Funding will be used to support the development and advancement of a suite of forensic technology tools and programs for law enforcement. FERF plans to address the escalating demand for forensic science education and research across a range of disciplines including DNA, toxicology, chemistry, computer crime, Internet sexual predators, and white collar crime focused on Wall Street, among other areas where this technology has impacted the criminal justice system.
$490,000 for NYSERNet's Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Facility Funding will be used to support the development of the center in Syracuse, NY while allowing participating institutions to direct their own funds toward acquiring the equipment and software necessary to implement mirrored solutions in the facility, thus enhancing their disaster recovery strategies. NYSERNet member institutions in the Capital District that will benefit from this project include Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the SUNY Albany Main Campus, Downtown Campus, and East Campus.
$487,000.00 $312,000.00 $312,000.00 $487,000.00 $196,000.00 $490,000.00 $196,000.00 $1,300,000.00 $164,500.00 $188,000.00 $47,000.00 $94,000.00 $540,500.00 $490,000.00 $5,304,000.00 Actually more than he said he got. Too bad it's all in new taxes.
$164,500 for the Albany Police Athletic League (PAL) After School Club Funds will be used to support this juvenile crime prevention program which brings kids and cops together in non-law enforcement type settings. It will establish and maintain programming at several sites in the city of Albany as part of an after school club sponsored by PAL
Let the police union foot the bill for this. Perhaps retired officers could donate their time.
Quoted Text
$94,000 for the AIDS Council of Northeastern NY At-Risk Youth Prevention Initiative The requested funding will allow the AIDS Council to expand HIV prevention interventions to at-risk youth by establishing cutting edge projects that combine HIV/STD prevention, behavior change and development of life and vocational skills, including development of skills in the areas of computer and video technology, marketing and communication.
There has been AID prevention programs for years. This should be by private donations only.
Quoted Text
$47,000 for the Albany Teen Challenge At Risk Youth Drug Prevention Program Funding will be applied toward expansion of the highly effective Long Island Teen Challenge “Rock the Block,” “Super Saturday Kids,” and “Hoop Challenge” drug prevention programs into the Albany area. Programs will be tailored to the Albany area and replicated with equal effectiveness to those operated by Long Island Teen Challenge.
$540,500 for the Forensic Education and Research for the Future (FERF) Program Funding will be used to support the development and advancement of a suite of forensic technology tools and programs for law enforcement. FERF plans to address the escalating demand for forensic science education and research across a range of disciplines including DNA, toxicology, chemistry, computer crime, Internet sexual predators, and white collar crime focused on Wall Street, among other areas where this technology has impacted the criminal justice system.
Let the police union foot these bills also and again let the retired officers donate their time. Or perhaps the active officers with so much time off can find time to donate!
And as a side note, how the heck did this subject get on the Iraq thread?
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
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