Air Force leadership on Sept. 11, 2001
September 7th, 2011 | Air Force Leadership | Posted by David Larter
Sunday marks the 10th anniversary of the deadliest attack on American soil. // Air Force Image by Corey Parrish
Today Air Force Chief Gen. Norton Schwartz, Secretary Michael Donley and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy released the following statement on the upcoming 10-year anniversary of terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001:
September 11, 2011, marks the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks that claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 innocent people — at the World Trade Center; at Shanksville, Pa.; and at the Pentagon — and affected the lives of countless others across our great country and beyond. In all, 90 countries lost citizens, and people the world over would condemn these acts of terrorism.
This tragic event altered our view of the world and sparked a global effort to combat terrorism and the conditions that give rise to extremism. We are proud of the international efforts that have led to the capture or killing of many of the terrorist leaders, but our success has not come without significant cost. As we reflect on the horrific day that marked the beginning of our struggle to better secure the world from these threats, we honor the tremendous selfless service that today still distinguishes American Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen, comprising the most dedicated, professional and powerful military force in the world. We also recognize that the need for sacrifice is not over.
We sincerely thank you and your families for what you have done for your country to date, and thank you in advance for bravely facing our future challenges. Please take a moment this day to reflect on the tragic losses of September 11, 2001, as well as the losses and wounds that we have suffered in our campaign to maintain security for our Nation since that fateful day. Today, we also remember the families and friends of the lost and wounded, who bear the heaviest burden, whose loneliness we seek to ease, and whose sacrifice we hold in the highest regard.
Tags: Donley, james roy, schwartz, Sept. 11 2001
Mullen reins in rumors on retirement changes
August 16th, 2011 | Air Force Leadership | Posted by David Larter
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Adm. Mike Mullen told service members in Afghanistan that the Defense Department had no immediate plans to change retirement benefits for service members.
He did say that DoD is looking for ways to tighten the belt and left open the possibility for future changes.
According to a DoD release:
“There’s no immediate plan to affect retirement,” Navy Adm. Mike Mullen told service members at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, July 31.
The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said any changes to military retirement should be studied carefully and should be “grandfathered” so the military doesn’t break faith with those in the service.
Pentagon officials are reviewing all areas of the defense budget, and the goal of the review is to “inform the decisions and strategies that we have to make,” Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said Aug. 4.
“So that’s going to be key to what decisions we make and what areas we look to for savings,” the secretary added.
DoD spokeswoman Eileen Lainez also said in the release changes could be on the horizon but that they would have to be carefully considered, citing the impact on recruiting and retention.
“Any recommendation to change the military retirement system must be approached with thoughtful analysis, to include considerations of impacts to recruiting and retention,” Lainez said. “While the military retirement system, as with all other compensation, is a fair subject of review for effectiveness and efficiency, no changes to the current retirement system have been approved, and no changes will be made without careful consideration for both the current force and the future force.”
Tags: benefits, Chairman Mullen, Retirement