Posted on 01/28/2006 3:54:50 PM PST by SandRat
WASHINGTON, Jan. 27, 2006 – Defense leaders took time today to thank civilian leaders who have demonstrated solid support for men and women in uniform. The civilian leaders, at the Pentagon for an alumni meeting of the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference, represent a "who's who" of civilian business owners, chief executive officers, educators, local politicians and civic leaders. All have participated in the JCOC program and many serve as advocates for military members in their communities and businesses.
Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld lauded the group members' efforts and those of others supporting military members in myriad ways. He cited the success of DoD's "America Supports You" program, which he said has blossomed since its inception in November 2004. That program spotlights what Americans are doing to support the military, encourages others to join the military, and provides a forum for them to share their efforts.
The the American public's outpouring of support for the military "is really something pretty special to us," Army Brig. Gen. Carter F. Ham, deputy director of regional operations for the Joint Staff, told the group.
He cited examples he saw firsthand while serving as commander of Multinational Brigade Northwest in Iraq, including school supplies and other gifts donated for troops to distribute at schools they helped open and cheerful letters of encouragement that helped troops through dark days.
Similarly, wounded troops being treated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here and elsewhere have experienced a tremendous outpouring of generosity and kindness from the American public, Ham said.
"It makes a huge difference what you do, and the soldiers really do appreciate it," he said.
Army Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno echoed Ham's sentiment, telling the group the American people's support is critical to the servicemembers sacrificing for their country. "These troops are dedicated," Odierno said. "They truly believe they are fighting for the American people (and) their way of life. And they recognize that they are making sacrifices, but they believe it is appreciated, so that is why it's important."
Rumsfeld encouraged the JCOC alumni to continue their support and encourage their friends and associates to participate, too. "Anything you folks can do to encourage your organizations and your friends and neighbors to recognize the important work that is being done by these volunteers -- and every one is a volunteer -- is deeply appreciated," he said.
DoD established the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference in 1948 to introduce civilian "movers and shakers" with little or no military exposure to the workings of the armed forces so they can share their experiences with their community and business associates. Alumni conferences offer an opportunity for past participants to get updated on military issues and operations.
PING
Sand and Diva B., I just hope that this military-civilian partnership will continue to grow until it seems a normal part of life to support our troops wherever they are: deployed in war zones, stationed around the world or at home or in the many veterans' programs and facilities at home.
As I understand, in WWII, everyone joined in to support the war effort and the men and women in uniform.
This is getting us back to that. I wear my "America Supports You" dogtag every day, haven't removed it since they sent it to me in December 2004.
I bet those dog tags have tons of sentimental value!
*that is so cool*
In WWII not only did families have a Blue Star Banner in their window but campanies proudly proclaimed how many of their workers were at war with a special Blue Star Banner and the more somber one for those that had paid the ultimate price with a special Gold Star Banner. The War Department would award a big banner with an E on it for companies that exceeded their war production qouta and competition was firce to earn one and keep earning it. Schools had competitions for scrap collections to support the War effort. Everyone supported the Bond Drives. Young Ladies would always be at the Service Canteens to talk with and dance with the GIs on pass from the nearby military base.
Yep would be nice to get back to that.
Yes! Everyone bought bonds... that was still going on when I was a kid in the '50s. Today's USO is a lot different from the old days when, like you said, the guys could dance with some gals.
My mother worked at Douglas Aircraft during WWII, and she really LOVED that job. She was a messenger and then worked in the parts department. I think it was a special feeling of being part of something bigger, and the pride of being patriotic.
O, and she met my father there and less than 2 years post WWII, they produced me!
Educating the general population: BINGO!
Yep, my Mom worked as switchbord operator at a Naval Munitions Plant in Nebraska next to my Aunt and they were Canteen Girls as well. Towards the end romances bloomed with sailors, the War ended, the sailors came home to sweet-hearts, Marriages happened, and well .... you can figure out the rest of the story.
Well, duh, maybe I can.:)
My mother and all her people were from Nebraska, father from Missouri. She had just recently come to California when the war started.
BTTT
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