From: bergman@afnews.pa.af.mil (CMSgt Mike Bergman)
Newsgroups: soc.veterans
Subject: Army News 12/11/92
Date: 14 Dec 1992 11:13:59 -0600
Organization: Hq Air Force News Agency/SCC
NNTP-Posting-Host: cs.utexas.edu

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* SAFETY TIPS FOR SOMALIA
* 1492 RUN DRAWS NATIONS TOGETHER
* SOLDIERS ISSUED WARNING NOT TO SHARE RATIONS
* PRAYER OF THE ARMY SPOUSE
* U.S. TROOPS LAND IN SOMALIA
* COMMUNITY SUPPORT VITAL IN MEETING NEEDS OF TRANSITIONING SOLDIERS
* JANUARY PROMOTIONS
* TOLL-FREE NUMBER SUPPORTS FAMILIES OF DEPLOYED SOLDIERS

================================================================

.tcSafety tips for Somalia
 
    WASHINGTON (ARNEWS) -- Soldiers face risks every day, but 
the country of Somalia offers some unique safety risks. 
Violence in the country is unpredictable, so soldiers there 
need to remain alert and cautious at all times.
    The 95-degree heat of Somalia can cause quick dehydration, 
and the local food and water is often contaminated and can 
cause diarrhea and other diseases.
    Insects also transmit a wide range of diseases, and Somalia 
has a high rate of tuberculosis and hepatitis. But, by keeping 
informed and watching your personal hygiene, you can reduce 
your risks while in Somalia.
    The Army surgeon general suggested some ways for soldiers 
to stay healthy while in Somalia --
    -- Drink water frequently throughout the day.
    -- Wash your hands after using the latrine and before meals.
    -- Take the malaria pills provided by medics.
    -- Keep insect repellant on exposed skin at all times.
    -- Sleep under a bed net.
    -- Follow rest-work cycles to prevent exhaustion.
    -- Avoid local foods and untreated water and ice.
    -- Because of the threat of rabies, avoid all animals.
 
 
.tc 1492 run draws nations together
 
    WASHINGTON (ARNEWS) -- Representatives from 20 American 
countries ran 1,492 kilometers this year, to celebrate the 
500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus' landing in the New 
World.
    Recognizing the unity of nations in that effort, a replica 
flag of San Martin was presented to the Organization of 
American States, Dec. 3, by Maj. Gen. Bernard Loeffke, former 
chairman of the Inter-American Defense Board.
    The flag was carried on the 1,492-k Friendship Run, which 
was staged at Fort McNair, Va.; the Bahamas; Argentina; and 
Chile. 
    Also known as the Flag of the Andes, the banner was created 
by Gen. Jose de San Martin during South America's struggle for 
independence from the Spanish. In 1817, San Martin led an army 
of Argentinian, Chilean and Peruvian soldiers across the cruel 
Andes mountains to attack the Spaniards occupying Chile.
    San Martin's success established him as "probably the 
greatest hero in the Americas. He's Latin America's George 
Washington," Loeffke said.
    History compares San Martin to Hannibal for his 
near-impossible trek across the Andes. With superior military 
skill, he inspired his multinational soldiers and led them to 
drive the enemy from their land.
    So, as well as commemorating Columbus' discovery of 
America, the Friendship Run honored the accomplishments of San 
Martin and the unity he inspired.
    The run began at Fort McNair in March, with representatives 
of 20 American nations taking turns to cover 1,000 kilometers 
in one day. Vice Chief of staff of the Army Gen. Dennis Reimer 
carried the Flag of San Martin for part of the distance, as did 
military police and soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division Old 
Guard.
    Loeffke said the run began at Fort McNair, because it is 
the home of the Inter-American Defense College, which the U.S. 
Army provides to the Organization of American States.
    The flag was taken to the Bahamas in May, for a run where 
Columbus is thought to have landed. In October, the Friendship 
Run continued in Argentina, where runners followed the route 
taken by San Martin and his army. 
    "On the border where Argentina and Chile join, the Chilean 
army was waiting for us," Loeffke said. "There, the 
Argentinians and Chileans hugged. And in a very emotional 
ceremony, the Argentines passed the flag to the Chileans," who 
carried it to the tip of Chile, covering the last of the 1,492 
kilometers.
    Developed by Loeffke, as chairman of the Inter-American 
Defense Board, and the secretary general of the Organization of 
American States, the Friendship Run answered three needs --
    -- to raise money for the OAS children's fund;
    -- to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Columbus' 
landing; and
    -- to foster a closer relationship among the nations of 
Latin America.
    "I feel that we accomplished a great deal," said Loeffke, 
who is now director of Task Force Russia in the Pentagon. "We 
are all Americans in this hemisphere. So the more we can get 
together through events like this, we'll be more successful in 
understanding each other. And when we understand each other, 
there's less reason for having huge militaries facing each 
other across borders.
    "It's been said that the mission of a leader is to create 
bridges between nations, not walls," he added. "Frontiers ought 
to be bridges for commerce and friendship, and not walls to 
separate them. And we believe that, through sports, we can 
create more bridges that lead to friendships."
 
 
.tcSoldiers issued warning not to share rations
 
    WASHINGTON (ARNEWS) -- The Office of the Surgeon General 
has issued a warning regarding Somalia-bound soldiers 
improperly feeding the malnourished people of that country.
    Army medical officials "are worried that American soldiers 
will be tempted to give their own food rations and liquids to 
hungry Somalis," said Col. Karen Fredlund, chief dietitian at 
the Office of the Surgeon General. "Although this appears to be 
a humane act, it could be fatal for the Somalis.
    Reintroducing normal food to people who have been 
malnourished for a long time must be done cautiously, Fredlund 
said. 
    "The reason is that the human body adapts its metabolic 
rate during prolonged starvation," she said. "If too much food, 
or the wrong kinds of food are used too abruptly, it could 
cause severe diarrhea, congestive heart failure or cardiac 
arrest."
    Soldiers have been ordered not to give any food or beverage 
items, including water, to the Somalis. "Meals-Ready-to-Eat 
would be particularly difficult for them to digest because they 
are especially rich in calories and nutrients. We strongly 
recommend that feeding the local population be left to the 
civilian relief workers who have the expertise to do it 
properly," Fredlund said.
    (From an OTSG release.)
 
 
.tcPrayer of the Army spouse
 
    NOTE TO EDITORS:  The following was written by volunteers 
of the HQDA Family Liaison Office. Though it has been around 
for some time, it seems particulary appropriate at times of 
deployment, especially during the holiday season.
    WASHINGTON (ARNEWS) -- Dear God, I am proud to be wed to 
one who defends freedom and peace. My challenges are many, and 
I pray for your love and guidance to meet them.
    Special to me are the symbols representing my religion, 
country, community and home. I pray for the wisdom and grace to 
be true to their meaning.
    You are the symbol of my religious beliefs and the source 
of my strength. Because my life is full of change, I cherish 
the solid and constant spiritual foundation that you provide. 
Help me, Lord, to be an example of your teachings.
    My national flag represents freedom. Let me never forget, 
or take for granted, the hope it shows to the world. Bless 
those who have made sacrifices for freedom.
    As I enter the gateway to a military community, guide me to 
reach out to others and keep it a wholesome place. May my 
charity be given without thought of personal rewards.
    My wedding ring represents eternity and never-ending love. 
Let me celebrate all of the joys of our togetherness and find 
comfort in them during times of separation. I pray also we are 
spared the ultimate sacrifice of duty to country.
    My house is a symbol of our family and its unity. It is the 
place where we share memories of the past and build dreams of 
the future. Make willing my heart and hands to do even the 
smallest tasks that will make our house a better home.
    Thank you God for daily being with us as we live in the 
Army. Please grant us your continued blessing, increased 
strength and infinite guidance, as we live to your honor and 
glory. Amen.
    (Authored by Family Liaison Office volunteers.)



.tcU.S. troops land in Somalia
 
    WASHINGTON (ARNEWS) -- U.S. Marines landed in Somalia, Dec. 
8, as part of a United Nations-sponsored effort to quell 
domestic violence in that country so that relief workers can 
bring help to starving millions.
    The Marines are the advance component of a U.S. force that 
will soon number some 28,000 troops, including 10,000 
infantrymen from the 10th Mountain Division, based at Fort 
Drum, N.Y. The humanitarian effort is labelled Operation 
Restore Hope.
    In all, some 16,000 Marines are being committed to the 
action, which President Bush announced in a nationwide address 
Dec. 4. Marine Lt. Gen. Bob Johnston, of the 1st Marine 
Expeditionary Force, is commanding the joint task force.
    Marine Gen. Joseph P. Hoar, commander-in-chief of the U.S. 
Central Command in Tampa, Fla., is in overall command, but will 
remain with staff elements in the United States.
    Also part of the CENTCOM force are Air Force and Navy 
contingents. The Navy is sending maritime prepositioning ships 
and amphibious ships from its Pacific Fleet, with some 1,550 
servicemembers total. The Air Force has committed a C-130 
Tactical Airlift Squadron from CENTCOM -- about 800 airmen.
    In his press briefing, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of 
Staff Gen. Colin L. Powell said that as the operation proceeds, 
the forces being committed could go up or down.
    "We will send what is necessary to accomplish the mission 
and to take care of our troops," he said, "and do it in the 
most efficient way we possibly can."
    Somalia, located on the arid east coast of the Horn of 
Africa, has been in a state of anarchy since the 20-year regime 
of President Mohammed Siad Barre was overthrown two years ago.
    Drought depleted the herds of the largely pastoral Somali 
people and reduced crop yields from the agricultural sector. 
The deprivation has brought famine to large sections of the 
country, especially in the southern half.
    Relief workers in the country have been frustrated in their 
efforts to feed the starving Somalis, because armed gangs have 
seized shipments and blocked the movement of supplies.
    When the U.S. leadership determined that it could restore 
order in the country so that relief work would proceed, the 
proposal was advanced through the U.N., whose 5,000 
peacekeeping troops from Pakistan have been unable to do more 
than secure the airport in the Somali capital of Mogadishu.
    The United States is proceeding, with the blessing of the 
U.N. and with support from other countries. The head of the 
U.N., Secretary General Boutros Boutros-Ghali, referred to the 
military action as the first of two phases, one that is 
expected to be of relatively short duration. What must follow 
is a political restoration of a local civil authority -- not 
part of the U.S. mission.
    The mission, according to Defense Secretary Dick Cheney, is 
basically "to use U.S. forces to restore the situation so that 
relief supplies can be delivered, and so that once we withdraw, 
we can turn over responsibility for dealing with the continuing 
security problem to regular U.N. forces."
    Plans call for four stages of the operation, after which 
U.S. troops will withdraw.
    -- The first phase, already underway, has the Marines 
establishing bases at Mogadishu and Baidoa, where they will 
take control of the airfields, and secure the port and harbor 
facilities in the capital.
    -- The second phase has the Army's 10th Mountain Division 
joining the Marines in Baidoa, then moving to secure other 
areas: Belet Wen, Oddur and Gailalassi.
    -- The third phase branches operations to southern Somalia, 
to Kismayo and Bardera on the coast.
    -- The fourth and final phase is the transition of control 
from the U.S.-led coalition to U.N. observer forces in Somalia 
or regular U.N. peacekeeping forces.
    Even before the present operation, the U.S. military has 
been involved in Somalia, but only to transport goods and 
personnel. Air Force transports flew some 1,400 relief 
missions. The Pakistani forces that comprise the U.N. forces 
also arrived via American aircraft.
    Explaining why the United States was acting in the Somalia 
crisis, Bush said that no other country was capable of 
deploying a force large enough to forestall even greater mass 
starvation. "America must act," he said.
    Operation Restore Hope is not looking for confrontation 
with any of the armed Somali factions, Cheney stressed.
    The U.N. concept calls for going in "with a fairly large 
force for the purpose of stabilizing this situation, and 
stabilizing it in a rather decisive way so that there will be 
no question in the mind of any of the faction leaders in 
Somalia that we would have the ability to impose a stable 
situation if it came to that, without their cooperation," 
Cheney said.
    "It's sort of like the cavalry coming to the rescue, 
straightening things out for a while, and then letting the 
marshals come back in to keep things under control," Powell 
said.
    (This story appeared in the Military District of Washington 
Pentagram.)
 
 

.tcCommunity support vital in meeting needs of transitioning soldiers
 
    WASHINGTON (ARNEWS) -- Minority soldiers affected by the 
Army's continuing drawdown are feeling some anxiety and 
frustration -- and rightly so, according to one of the Army's 
senior personnel managers.
    "They came into the Army -- this all-volunteer force -- 
with the understanding that they'd be allowed to stay as long 
as they felt good about remaining here," explained Maj. Gen. 
Fred A. Gorden. As assistant deputy chief of staff for 
personnel, he has a direct hand in helping minimize the 
personal turmoil facing soldiers caught up in the Army's force 
reduction.
    He noted that the Army traditionally has served as an 
avenue of career opportunity to young men and women from 
minority groups. Though nothing has changed that expectation 
and promise of opportunity, the field for future participation 
is being narrowed. A smaller force will necessarily limit the 
number of participants.
    Gorden said that as more soldiers transition into civilian 
life, he sees "a greater responsibility on the part of 
communities" to help prepare for the influx of former soldiers. 
"We have to do more in our civilian communities, including 
setting up programs that reach out with assistance."
    He referred to the former soldiers as highly motivated, 
"proven winners" who feel good about themselves but need 
appreciation and support from the receiving communities.
    The service's transition-support machinery -- such as the 
Army Career and Alumni Program -- "is helping an awful lot of 
people," Gorden said. "The toughest part of the program has to 
do with placing the infantryman, tanker, or other combat-arms 
person."
    Even so, the military background of former soldiers offers 
prospective employers a valuable resource. "These young people, 
whether minority or not, are educated, skilled, disciplined, 
drug-free, and trainable," he concluded.
 
 
.tcJanuary promotions
 
    WASHINGTON (ARNEWS) -- The number of promotions in all 
categories fell this month, according to figures released by 
Army personnel officials.
    January promotions are on the way for 4,675 NCOs and 718 
officers. Also, 80 CWO2s will advance to CWO3, 20 CWO3s will 
advance to CWO4, and eight CWO4s will move up to CWO5.
    NCO promotions, with list and sequence number, are:
Rank        No. promoted    Thru Seq. No.   Left on list
Sgt. Maj.         65           213              124
Master Sgt.      230          By MOS            541
Sgt. 1st Class   382          By MOS          1,247
Staff Sgt.     1,000            -           List kept by field
Sgt.           2,998            -           List kept by field
    There was one merit promotion to sergeant in MOS 24N.
    January officer promotions, by category, are:
Rank      Army   JA   CH   MC   DC   MS   SP   VC   AN
Col.       38     0    0   23   21    6    1    0    2
Lt. Col.  144     0    2    1    1    9    1    1    9
Maj.      114     4    4    1    2   15    1    1   10
Capt.     290     0    6   NA   NA    2    0   NA    9
Total     586     4   12   25   24   32    3    2   30
 
 
.tcToll-free number supports families of deployed soldiers
 
    WASHINGTON (ARNEWS) -- A toll-free telephone number is 
available at the Pentagon to provide family members of deployed 
soldiers with answers to family-support questions, according to 
family liaison officials.
    The Army Family Liaison Office Information Line, at (800) 
833-6622, can answer calls for assistance and information 
Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Eastern Standard 
Time, from anywhere in the United States, including Guam, the 
Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
    "The first stop for information is usually the local Army 
Community Service office," said Shauna Whitworth, chief of the 
Army Family Liaison Office. "Generally, families can get their 
information there. We can also answer their questions, and 
family members who do not live near a military installation 
have found the information line particularly valuable."
    Most-often asked questions on the toll-free line include, 
but are not limited to, questions regarding single-soldier 
parent issues, the Army finance system and allotments, and how 
to set up family support groups, Whitworth said.
    "The staff answering the telephone doesn't always have the 
expertise or information to give you an immediate answer," she 
said, "but we will help you find it promptly."
    All requests to the Information Line are handled 
confidentially, she added.


-- 
         
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