Stars & Stripes US Edition Alaska 062014 by Steve Abeln

Volume 6, No. 27 ©SS 2014

FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014

A DISSERVICE TO A MARINE? Witnesses say Sgt. Rafael Peralta swept a grenade under himself to save his comrades, but conflicting evidence has stymied requests to award him the Medal of Honor

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COVER STORY

Does Peralta deserve the Medal of Honor?

BY JON H ARPER Stars and Stripes

he Marine Corps thought Sgt. Rafael Peralta deserved the Medal of Honor for smothering a grenade to save his fellow Marines in Iraq in 2004. Three secretaries of defense rejected the service’s recommendation, and Peralta instead was awarded the Navy Cross. Peralta’s supporters believe he was denied the recognition he deserves because of a dysfunctional system that inconsistently awards medals for valor to troops who fought in the post-9/11 wars. Peralta was an American by choice. He was born in Mexico City in 1979, but moved to the U.S. to escape gang violence and to attend school in San Diego. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2000 on the same day that he got his green card, and later became an American citizen while on active duty. Peralta loved his adopted country. The U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and his Marine Corps graduation certificate — all neatly framed — adorned his bedroom wall at his family’s home. “Be proud of me, bro … and be proud of being an American,” Peralta wrote in a letter to his younger brother Ricardo after he joined the service. Peralta deployed to Iraq with 1st Platoon, Company A, First Battalion, Third Marines, Regimental Combat Team 7, First Marine Division, to participate in Operation Iraqi Freedom. His life came to an end in the insurgent stronghold of Fallujah. The day before he was killed, Peralta volunteered to join an undermanned squad of Marines conducting house-clearing operations and act as a platoon guide, according to Marine accounts. On the morning of Nov. 15, 2004, the squad approached a house in Fallujah where they suspected insurgents might be hiding. The point man kicked in the door, and Peralta and other team members entered the home. Insurgents opened fire, and Marines who were standing behind Peralta shot back. Peralta fell wounded. It was later determined that Peralta was likely hit by friendly fire. As Peralta lay on the ground, one of the insurgents tossed a grenade at the Marines. What happened next is the heart of the dispute over whether the fallen Marine deserves the Medal of Honor.

Experts disagree The enemy threw a grenade “that landed next to Sgt. Peralta, who was lying on the deck. He reached over and pulled the grenade into himself,” a Marine who was in the room with Peralta said in an after-action statement the day Peralta was killed. The Marine’s name was redacted in official documents obtained by Stars and Stripes. Other Marines who were there offered similar but slightly varying accounts. Five claimed to have seen Peralta pull the grenade toward his body, and one said he saw him reach for it but wasn’t sure whether he grabbed it. After reviewing the evidence and sworn witness testimony, Lt. Gen. Richard Natonski, the commander of the 1st Marine Division, recommended Peralta be given the Medal of Honor. “I believe Sergeant Peralta made a conscious, heroic decision to cover the grenade and minimize the effects he knew it would have on the rest of his Marine team,” Natonski wrote in January 2005. “As he lay injured, rather than using his strength in an attempt to save himself, he knowingly and selflessly opted to give his life for his fellow Marines. ... Sergeant Peralta’s actions clearly rise above and beyond the call of duty and deserve to be recognized by award of our Nation’s highest combat award, the Congressional Medal of Honor.” But in a preliminary report, the medical examiner who performed the autopsy concluded that Peralta would not have been able to sweep the grenade toward himself. “The head gunshot wound would have been immediately incapacitating and nearly instantly fatal,” the examiner wrote in an April 2005 email. “He could not have executed any meaningful motions.” SEE PAGE 3

PHOTOS

SANDY HUFFAKER /The Washington Post

From top: Rosa Peralta holds the last letter written by her son before he died in 2004. Peralta, right, shown with a friend in this undated photo, died Nov. 15, 2004, in Fallujah, Iraq. Two Purple Hearts and other items sit in a display case for Rafael Peralta at his family’s home in Chula Vista, Calif.

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The examiner’s name was redacted in documents obtained by Stars and Stripes. The medical examiner said the shrapnel pattern on Peralta’s body suggested that the grenade exploded “a few feet” away from him. Two neurosurgeons and one neurologist who later examined the autopsy report but did not examine Peralta’s body disagreed with the medical examiner, arguing that it was possible that Peralta did what his fellow Marines claimed. Supporters of Peralta’s nomination argued that the grenade fuse found lodged in Peralta’s body armor demonstrated that the grenade did explode up against him. Natonski stood by his recommendation, which made its way to then-Secretary of Defense Robert Gates for his approval.

Gates: No choice

Stars and Stripes

Above: A plaque bearing Sgt. Rafael Peralta’s name is unveiled at a dedication ceremony on Sept. 21, 2007, in which the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit renamed its headquarters Peralta Hall. Below: Supporters of Peralta’s nomination for the Medal of Honor argue that the grenade fuse lodged in his body armor demonstrated that the grenade did explode up against him.

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In his recently published memoir, Gates revealed that he initially approved the Medal of Honor recommendation in 2008, despite some dissenting views from the medical community. “In light of the unanimous support of the entire uniformed leadership involved, I approved the recommendation,” he wrote. “I was satisfied that Sergeant Peralta met all the criteria and deserved the Medal of Honor.” However, Gates said he was pressured to revisit his decision. “After I signed the recommendation to the president, I was informed that a complaint had been made to the department’s inspector general that Peralta could not have consciously taken the action credited ... and therefore did not meet the criteria for the award,” Gates wrote. “The inspector general intended to carry out an investigation unless I took some action to deal with the complaint. ... I decided that the only way to clear the air quietly was to ask a special panel to look into the allegation.” The panel included forensic pathologists, a neurosurgeon, a retired general officer who had commanded in Iraq, and a Medal of Honor recipient. They pored over the evidence, including medical reports, and talked to subject matter experts, according to Gates. “The panel concluded unanimously that, with his wounds, Peralta could not have consciously pulled the grenade under him,” Gates wrote. “I had no choice but to withdraw my approval.” The Navy Cross award citation, approved by the Secretary of the Navy, tells a very different version of events than Gates’ panel. “The grenade came to rest near Sergeant Peralta’s head,” the citation reads. “Without hesitation and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, Sergeant Peralta reached out and pulled the grenade to his body, absorbing the brunt of the blast and shielding fellow Marines only feet away.” Doug Sterner, the chief archivist for the Military Times Hall of Valor website and a leading expert on military awards, is highly critical of the unusual way the Peralta case review unfolded. “We’ve never put people under a microscope like this before,” Sterner told Stars and Stripes. “They’ve got the eyewitness statements of the Marines. It makes absolutely no sense to me. “If I was a Marine, I would be pissed to the

core that an Army medical officer decided what awards a Marine gets. ... I think it’s unprecedented. I’ve never heard of that happening before.” Gates’ successors, Leon Panetta and Chuck Hagel, reviewed the case after new information came to light. In a letter to Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., Panetta said he decided not to overturn Gates’ decision because the evidence didn’t meet the “beyond-a-reasonable-doubt” standard for the Medal of Honor. In a press release explaining his decision not to reopen the nomination, Hagel said there was “considerable medical and professional doubt” about whether Peralta could have done what the Marines said he did. The Defense Department’s arguments don’t satisfy Peralta’s supporters. “When I saw the grenade, I thought I was dead. [But] Peralta swept it up underneath his body,” former Marine Cpl. Robert Reynolds told Stars and Stripes. The medical people who said Peralta couldn’t have consciously moved the grenade “are 110 percent mistaken, because I wouldn’t be here today if he didn’t do it …,” Reynolds said. “I could reach out and touch Peralta; that’s how close I was to him. If that grenade wasn’t underneath his body The head I would have been gunshot hammered. I mean, I wound would would have been dead because I was well have been within that killing radius. [But] I didn’t immediately one ounce of incapacitating have shrapnel from the and nearly grenade in my body. “He clearly deinstantly fatal. serves [the Medal He could not of Honor]. I mean, have executed there’s Marines still alive today that he any meaningful saved.” Peralta’s family has motions. publicly expressed Medical examiner disappointment preliminary report with the Pentagon’s decision. “It’s really emotional for the family because his nomination for the Medal of Honor has now been turned down more than once,” Ricardo Peralta said last year before Hagel made his decision, according to a Marine Corps news release. “But we know that there’s not a single decoration or medal that they can give him that will make us more proud. We’re proud to the fullest.” Hunter has been pushing hard to get Peralta the Medal of Honor for nearly a decade. The congressman is a former Marine officer who also fought in the battle of Fallujah. Peralta’s family live in his district. “It’s a sad state of affairs for a broken awards system,” Hunter told Stars and Stripes. “The Peralta case is representative of the lack of recognition by DOD of our combat men and women. ... There’s not a single living Medal of Honor [recipient] from Iraq. That’s complete lack of recognition by DOD, and by the [Bush and Obama] administrations, and by the offices of the secretaries of defense who were in control at those points of time, of our men and women who have served.”

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“It seems we can go back and find heroes in generations past [to receive the Medal of Honor], but we’ve only been able to find [15] Medals of Honor in the wars on terrorism. That to me tells me how broken this system is,” Sterner said. Sterner cited Army Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn Cashe as another example of a servicemember not getting the medal he deserved in the post-9/11 wars. When Cashe’s Bradley Fighting Vehicle was engulfed in flames after striking an IED outside Daliaya, Iraq, in 2005, the soldier — despite being drenched in fuel — repeatedly went back inside the vehicle and pulled every one of his six comrades from the inferno. His uniform burned off his body and his flesh was charred; Cashe later succumbed to his wounds. He received the Silver Star, despite having allowed himself to burn to death to save his fellow soldiers. Others troops have received higher awards for doing what many would consider less heroic deeds. Sterner believes the awards system has become so inconsistent that it’s time for a complete review of all the medals awarded at the Silver Star level and above for actions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Fabricated story? Not all Marines believe that Peralta deserves the Medal of Honor. Shortly after Hagel rendered his decision, two Marines who said they were in the house in Fallujah when the grenade was thrown told The Washington Post that accounts of Peralta reaching for the grenade were fabricated after the attack. One of them, Reggie Brown, ran out of the house when the grenade was tossed and didn’t see it detonate. Davi Allen, who was wounded in the backside by shrapnel from the grenade blast — which some cite as evidence that Allen was facing away from Peralta when the explosion occurred and couldn’t have seen what Peralta was doing — said Peralta didn’t reach for the grenade and it detonated near Peralta but not under him. Brown and Allen suggested that Marines at the scene decided to make up the story of Peralta’s heroism as a way of honoring him or out of guilt because Peralta was killed by friendly fire. Tony Gonzales, who was outside the house during the battle with insurgents, has also claimed that some of the Marines made up the story. Reynolds described their alternative version as “B.S.” He said there wasn’t enough time for everyone to invent a story because he and other Marines were quickly medically evacuated out of the area after getting wounded by

U.S. Marine Corps photo provided by the office of Rep. Duncan Hunter

This photograph, taken in 2005 as part of the Marine Corps’ Medal of Honor investigation, shows the body armor of Sgt. Rafael Peralta. the insurgents. Reynolds said he didn’t discuss the incident with anyone until he gave an official statement after he was in recovery from gunshot wounds he sustained during the firefight. Nicholas Jones, the squad leader, told the Post that the conspiracy claims are “ridiculous.” Aside from Allen, none of the Marines who saw Peralta on the floor and said he reached for the grenade have changed the substance of their stories or accused anyone of falsifying the original narrative.

Process under review Hunter is holding out hope that one day Peralta will get the recognition that many believe he deserves. “It’s a dead horse,” he said. “In 25 years when you have a president look back like President Obama just did towards Vietnam and the men and women that did not get awarded medals and did not get recognition when they should have, that’s probably what we are looking at. “It might be 25 years. Who knows? But I think if somebody [who makes these decisions] sees this objectively [when the current controversy has subsided], I think they’re going to see this in the same way that I do and most of

the people that know about the case do, which is that [Peralta] should receive the Medal of Honor.” Peralta’s case bears similarities to that of medically retired Cpl. William “Kyle” Carpenter, who is believed to have jumped on an enemy grenade to save a fellow Marine in Afghanistan. Carpenter will be awarded the Medal of Honor on June 19 for his actions, the White House has announced. There were no eyewitnesses to verify that Carpenter pounced on the grenade, because Carpenter and the Marine he saved were so injured by the blast that they are unable to recall exactly what happened. “I’m not taking anything away from [Carpenter] at all,” Reynolds said. “He did what he did honorably. [But] there was no eyewitness accounts to it. ... and yet he’s getting that Medal of Honor. Sgt. Peralta takes a grenade [and] there are several eyewitness accounts ... There’s all this evidence proving that he did it, and he’s being denied.” In March, Hagel ordered a review of the entire awards system with the purpose of determining how it can be improved. A senior defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity so he could more freely discuss the Peralta case, told Stars and Stripes that the

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controversy surrounding Peralta didn’t influence Hagel’s decision to launch the review. But he said the larger issue of whether the Pentagon is too stingy when it comes to awarding the Medal of Honor will be examined. “[Hagel] believes we should be asking ourselves that question,” according to the official, who is familiar with the secretary’s thinking on this issue. Despite his ruling in the Peralta case, Gates thinks that the military is too reluctant when it comes to the Medal of Honor. “Too few [Medals of Honor] have been awarded in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, in which there have been so many heroic, selfless deeds,” Gates wrote in his memoir. “I once asked [former Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Peter] Chiarelli why so few had been recommended. He said because medals had been passed out so freely in Vietnam, succeeding officers were determined to raise the bar. They had raised it too high, he thought.” The new review will examine, among other things, whether there is enough consistency in the awards process, Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby told reporters when the initiative was announced. “[Hagel] wants to examine the degree to which the services submit and evaluate and decide on major combat awards,” Kirby said. “I think he would like to get a better sense of what discrepancies there may be between the services and do those discrepancies need to be closed. The answer may be no, but I think he wants to ask those questions,” Kirby said. Kirby said Hagel realizes that the awards system will always be imperfect, regardless of what changes are made. “It’s not a science, and I don’t think he’s trying to make it a science. But he does think it’s time, after 13 years of war, to take a fresh look at how we think about this,” Kirby said.

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Conduct unbecoming? S. Korea presses US military on behavior of servicemembers BY AND

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SEOUL, South Korea — South Korea is urging the U.S. military to better control its servicemembers after several recent allegations of misbehavior — including an attempted taxi theft and the alleged harassment of female employees at a water park — that have received national attention here. South Korean officials “strongly” requested that U.S. Forces Korea cooperate with efforts by Korean authorities to prevent crime and quickly address any crimes that occur, according to a statement by the Foreign Ministry issued after a meeting June 11 of the Joint SOFA Committee. The committee handles issues related to U.S. Forces Korea Status of Forces agreement I fully governing troops support and installations. The ministry the Korean said it told the prosecution U.S. representaof soldiers tives that while the number of found cases involving to have U.S. military is declining, public violated against Korean law, opinion USFK could and I will worsen because not tolerate of recent alleged misbehavior. immature In response, the and U.S. promised to thoughtless work to prevent similar incidents, behavior. to strengthen its disciplinary Maj. Gen. measures and to Thomas Vandal better educate 2ID commander servicemembers about South Korean laws and culture, the ministry statement said. USFK issued a statement to Stars and Stripes saying any type of misconduct by USFK servicemembers “is unacceptable.” It said it takes all cases seriously and cooperates with South Korean authorities in accordance with

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Two 2nd Infantry Division soldiers are accused of inappropriately touching female employees at Everland theme park’s Caribbean Bay attraction on May 31. the SOFA. “Even the very small percentage of the U.S. military who do not obey host nation laws and customs are too much,” the USFK statement said. “We will continue our efforts to prevent and mitigate potential incidents.” Three incidents last month focused attention on the issue. On May 4, Spc. Carl A. Lissone died in Pyeongtaek from a brain hemorrhage after a street fight outside a Seoul nightclub. The incident is still under investigation, but South Korean police say other soldiers were involved. On May 31, a sergeant with the 2nd Infantry Division’s 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade allegedly stole a taxi in Seoul, according to South Korean police, drove the car about 3 miles, crashed into a stopped car and then fought with a police officer before he was subdued. The sergeant had a blood alcohol level of 0.158 percent at the time of his arrest and said he had little memory of the incident. On the same day, two 2ID soldiers were accused of inappropriately touching two female employees at the Everland theme park’s Caribbean Bay water park.

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South Korean police said the two soldiers, along with a third 2ID soldier, were causing a disturbance. The soldiers, identified as a private, a private first class and a specialist with the 210th Field Artillery Brigade, allegedly punched a male employee in the face and kicked him, then refused to cooperate with police, punching one officer and spitting in his face. Additional details of that case were disclosed last week. While one of the soldiers said a female employee misinterpreted his comments and gestures as being obscene, South Korean police said closed-circuit footage proves many of the allegations against the men and that they could face charges, including sexual harassment, assault and obstructing police carrying out their duties. The soldiers told South Korean police during questioning that they were drunk and remember little of what happened at the park, authorities said. They told police that besides drinking beer at Caribbean Bay, they and a fourth soldier drank a mixture of soju — a potent and popular Korean liquor — and beer while riding a bus to the

park, according to the Yongin Dongbu Police chief of criminal affairs. The bus was transporting the soldiers as part of a military-affiliated trip to boost the morale of single soldiers, the police official said. 2ID would not comment on the drinking allegations because the incident is still under investigation. 2ID commander Maj. Gen. Thomas Vandal said in a statement last week that 2ID is cooperating fully with South Korean police to make sure those “found at fault face swift and firm consequences.” “I fully support the Korean prosecution of soldiers found to have violated Korean law, and I will not tolerate immature and thoughtless behavior,” he said. In reference to the alleged taxi theft and misbehavior at Everland, he said “I will not allow two careless acts of indiscipline to tarnish 2ID readiness and our strong relationship with our Korean neighbors.” The 2ID press release said the U.S. troops are subject to both South Korean law and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. rowland.ashley@stripes.com chang.yookyong@stripes.com

June 20, 2014

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HATCHER PASS TRAIL This is another all-day trek, where you can enjoy the ATV into the late Alaska sunsets. Hatcher Pass is ranked as an extreme trail requiring experienced riders. The rider can opt to go up either side of the mountain valley, and will encounter swamps, rivers, steep mountains and lots of mud.

An ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) is a way to explore Alaska’s backcountry in places where vehicles can’t travel. ATV’s are common in Alaska, both for work and for play. The best way to experience it for yourself is to hook up with a reputable ATV tour company, where you will ride with and learn from an expert. Alaska has some of the most unbelievable scenery and wildlife in the world. While many of the tours begin within a short drive from Anchorage, the rider soon finds themselves a vast distance from civilization. Tour operators offer a number of different possibilities, accessible to riders of differing abilities, from rank novice to seasoned pros. These companies can often accommodate handicapped riders. According to Marty “Heiny” Heintzman of Alaska Trail Tours in Wasilla, some of the best tours explore places such as Hatcher Pass, Monument Mountain Trail, Belanger Pass Trail, Boulder Creek Trail or Eklutna Lake. Most of these tours are an easy drive from Anchorage, but you will probably want to spend a night or two for some of the all-day tours. They range from “easy” (Eklutna Lake) to “extreme” (Monument Trail and Hatcher Pass), and through all types of weather conditions. Each trail takes the rider deep into Alaska’s wilderness, with abundant wildlife and scenery and lots of photo opportunities. Most tour operators rate trails “easy”, “moderate/medium” and “extreme”. Easy trails are great for a novice rider of all ages. Medium or moderate trails generally have river crossings, hill climbing and some mud bogging. Extreme trails are for experienced riders who enjoy steep hill climbing, swamp crossings, mud bogging, trail-breaking, river crossings – and getting stuck. Heini has been taking riders into Alaska’s backcountry for over 38 years. He admits to still being awed by the spectacular and majestic Alaska wilderness, and truly enjoys sharing this experience with both residents and visitors. According to Heintzman, the following are some of the most popular ATV trails.

BELANGER PASS A great place to view caribou during the last two weeks of June and the first two weeks of July, Belanger Pass is a moderate trail and an all-day trip. Beginning from the trail head, riders past

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This is another place to take photos of caribou during the last two weeks of June and the first two weeks of July. The all-day trip is rated moderate to extreme. Monument Mountain Trailhead is located about 1 ½ hours away from Palmer. From the trailhead, the trek to the top will take 3 or 4 hours, depending on trail conditions and stops for photo opportunities. From the height of the mountain the rider can look over the tops of surrounding mountains, cross streams, and enjoy a picnic lunch. The trail continues over the mountain. There are monster grayling trout in the streams, and bear, wolves, moose, caribou and fox.

This all-day trip is rated easy-to-moderate. Boulder Creek Trail is part of the historic Chickaloon-Knick-Nelchina Trail, and has spectacular mountain views of the Talkeetna Range. Moose, bear and small mammals are plentiful in this area, and, depending on the time of year, trail conditions can be quite muddy. Ascending the mountain, the trail becomes rocky. Experienced riders can enjoy steep hill climbing, swamp crossings, mud bogging, trail-breaking, river crossings, and getting stuck.

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EKLUTNA LAKE TRAIL This is a great opportunity for newcomers to ATV riding. A half-day trip, it begins at the trailhead, riding along groomed trails. Eklutna Lake is the water source for Anchorage, providing some of the best water in the nation. The lake itself is in a high mountain valley, with spectacular waterfalls and clear blue lake waters. There are mountain goats, Dall sheep, bear, wolves, fox, lynx and moose in the area. Wear boots and gloves; bring rain gear, camera, and a picnic lunch. Depending on the weather, you can enjoy swimming in the cool, glacier-fed lake, so bring swimming attire.

WISHBONE LAKE TRAIL A half-day trip on a moderate trail, this is a great ride up to the lake and back. Expect to see lots of wildlife, including moose, bear, fox and wolves. There are steep hills at the end of the trail to enjoy.

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STARS AND STRIPES • S

Friday, June 20, 2014

TA R S

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MILITARY

Atheist chaplain candidate rejected ‘ I hope military leaders will open their hearts to

BY CHRIS CARROLL Stars and Stripes

WASHINGTON — A Navy chaplain candidate who believes people can pursue “good without a god” said the recent rejection of his application wouldn’t stop his campaign to become the military’s first humanist chaplain. Jason Heap, an atheist who holds master’s degrees in divinity and religious history, applied for a commission as a chaplain in July 2013 and learned in late May that he’d been turned down. “I am exceptionally disappointed and aggrieved by the Navy’s initial rejection of my application,” he said in a written statement. “I will continue to seek acceptance. I hope military leaders will open their hearts to humanists and give me the opportunity to serve all sailors as a chaplain for the next 20 years or more.” The Navy offered no explanation for the decision by the Navy Chaplain Accession board, but it said in a written statement that Heap wasn’t alone — most of the recent chaplain hopefuls were turned away. “Due to the highly competitive nature of the board, less than 50 percent of the applicants could be recommended for a commission in the United States Navy,” said Lt. Hayley C. Sims, a spokeswoman for the Chief of Navy Personnel. “Each applicant was considered without prejudice or partiality — specific details of individual applications or the deliberation process are not releasable.”

humanists and give me the opportunity to serve all sailors as a chaplain for the next 20 years or more.

’

Jason Heap atheist who applied for a commission as a Navy chaplain Heap’s candidacy was sponsored by the Humanist Society, a nontheistic group that espouses ethical living and striving for the greater good of humanity without theistic or supernatural beliefs. In April, the Army approved a request by Maj. Ray Bradley to list humanism as his religious preference — the first time such a designation has been allowed. Although the Navy hasn’t explained its decision, Jason Torpy, the “endorsing agent” for the Humanist Society, says it smacks of discrimination. “They only support a certain subset of beliefs,” Torpy said. “That’s the message that I’m getting as a nontheist and that a lot of nontheists are getting.” In addition to overseeing chaplain candidates for the organization, Torpy also runs his own group known as the Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers. Torpy said the Humanist Society is supporting Heap as he explores administrative options to revive his chaplain candidacy. Despite not having traditional

religious beliefs, large numbers of nonbelieving troops are still striving to live ethical and meaningful lives, and Heap could support them as a chaplain, Torpy said. And with his deep knowledge of other religions, Heap — who grew up Christian — is able to help all servicemembers, Torpy said. Although not religious, Heap told Stars and Stripes last year that he has a deep respect for the religious impulse. “Religion is existential. It’s where people begin to think about, ‘Is there more to life than just me?’ ” he said. “It’s one of the most special utterings of human aspiration, desire, fear. It’s people trying to come to grips with the natural order of life.” But critics say the chaplaincy is specifically designed to support servicemembers seeking to practice religious beliefs, not various philosophies of living. “The key word there is belief, and the Navy is affirming that chaplains must be persons of faith,” said Ron Crews, a retired Army chaplain and executive director of the Chaplain Alliance for Religious Liberty.

Through chaplains, the U.S. military works to support religious rights for members of a wide variety of religions, Crews said, some of which lack their own chaplains. “There are many different expressions of belief represented in the military that do not have chaplain corps representations, such as Wiccans at this point,” he said. “However chaplains will provide for those who want to form a group. … The same would be true for those who come from an atheist freethinker association. If they want to form and meet, chaplains will be there to provide resources.” That hasn’t been the case in the Navy, Torpy said. If officials had turned down Heap’s application but followed up with offers to provide more support to humanist groups, the decision would have been seen in a different light, he said. “The important part of this is that the Navy has done no outreach,” he said. “There’s been no interest, no cooperation with humanist beliefs.” carroll.chris@stripes.com Twitter: @ChrisCarroll_

Study: Brain impairment similar no matter what the cause BY M ATT M ILLHAM Stars and Stripes

A study of U.S. military personnel has found that troops exposed to bomb blasts in Iraq and Afghanistan showed signs of mental disability, even if they hadn’t been diagnosed with a brain injury. The study, published Monday in the Journal of the American Medical Association Neurology, also found that the long-term effects of traumatic brain injuries are similar regardless of the mechanism that caused the injury. Researchers looked at 178 personnel who were medically evacuated from Afghanistan or Iraq for various injuries, 82

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‘ We have to take blast exposure seriously, even if it doesn’t necessarily result in an overt concussive brain injury, as defined by a loss of consciousness, a gap in memory or confusion at the time of injury.

’

Dr. David L. Brody neurologist at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis of whom had been diagnosed with a concussion. Twentyseven had been exposed to a blast but were not diagnosed with a concussion, and 69 had no blast exposure. Those who suffered concussions from impacts and those whose injuries resulted from a combination of impact and

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blast showed nearly identical rates — 79 percent and 77 percent, respectively — of moderate to severe disability a year after their injuries. The finding suggests that the mechanism of injury isn’t something researchers and doctors “need to be too worked up about,” said Dr. David L.

Brody, the study’s lead author and a neurologist at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Brody’s team found that those who had been exposed to a blast but hadn’t been diagnosed with a concussion also showed some impairment a year after their injuries. Of this

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group, 59 percent showed signs of moderate to severe disability, as well as worse headaches and more severe post-traumatic stress disorder than patients who had no blast exposure. “So we have to take blast exposure seriously, even if it doesn’t necessarily result in an overt concussive brain injury, as defined by a loss of consciousness, a gap in memory or confusion at the time of injury,” Brody said. “Blast exposure still may be associated with substantial symptoms — not as substantial as an actual concussive traumatic brain injury, but still substantial.” millham.matthew@stripes.com Twitter: @mattmillham

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June 20, 2014

STARS AND STRIPES

Veteran Owned Businesses New Horizons Telecom Inc

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June 20, 2014

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Friday, June 20, 2014

EUROPE

USAF to spare about 4K airmen from separation BY JENNIFER H. SVAN Stars and Stripes

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany — The Air Force will spare more airmen from involuntary separation in part to bolster the service’s nuclear missile corps, which has faced a series of embarrassing lapses, the Air Force announced. As a result, the Air Force says, about 4,000 fewer airmen than originally expected will meet involuntary retention boards this summer and fall. “Establishing full manning

in our nuclear positions underscores the vital importance of this mission,” Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James was quoted as saying in an Air Force news release issued June 13. Better staffing, she said, offers critical airmen “a more stable work schedule and improves their quality of life.” The focus on improving the nuclear force follows a series of embarrassing lapses among the airmen in charge of the country’s intercontinental ballistic missiles, including a major cheating scandal and poor inspection results.

Increasing the staffing for the nuclear mission, however, doesn’t account for the entire 4,000 airmen now being told they’re no longer eligible for possible involuntary separation. Letting go of fewer airmen this summer is also intended to guard against the budget uncertainty that comes with not knowing whether the service will be allowed to trim its force structure as planned, officials said in the news release. “We don’t want to cut a single” airman “more than the number absolutely necessary

JENNIFER H. SVAN /Stars and Stripes

Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James, secretary of the Air Force, says fuller staffing will provide airmen a more stable work schedule. to keep our force in balance,” Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A Welsh III was quoted as saying. The Air Force did not say from which career fields more airmen would be retained nor how many airmen the service still needs to shed. James said in a March interview with Stars and Stripes that the Air Force drawdown calls for reducing the service’s

active-duty numbers by about 16,700 airmen in fiscal 2015. The relevant retention boards will meet this month, according to the Air Force, with results to be released in late July or early August. Airmen are advised to check myPers, the Air Force’s personnel web site, to find out their latest status. svan.jennifer@stripes.com

2nd destroyer to be part of missile defense shield arrives in Spain BY STEVEN BEARDSLEY Stars and Stripes

NAPLES, Italy — The second of four U.S. Navy destroyers to be stationed in Europe as part of a ballistic missile defense shield arrived at its new home in southern Spain on Monday, the Navy said. The USS Ross, an ArleighBurke-class destroyer with an advanced Aegis combat system for tracking and intercepting medium-range ballistic missiles, departed from Norfolk, Va., earlier this month for Rota, Spain. It joins the destroyer USS Donald Cook, which arrived in Rota in February. Plans call for two more destroyers, the USS Porter and USS Carney, to move to Rota next year from their homes in Norfolk and Mayport, Fla., respectively. The four ships are the centerpiece of the missile shield, known as the European Phased Adaptive Approach, and make regular, four-month tours of the Mediterranean region. Other components of the shield include land-based Aegis interceptor batteries in Romania and Poland, radar in

Courtesy of the U.S. Navy

Sailors aboard USS Ross man the rails as they depart Norfolk, Va. Ross is the second of four Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers to be forward deployed to Rota, Spain. Turkey and a command center at the U.S. Air Force base in Ramstein, Germany. The plan has caused a major rift with Russia, which says the shield is aimed against its own nuclear missile arsenal. The U.S. and its NATO allies insist the defense system is to

meant to protect Europe from potentially hostile countries in the region, such as Iran. Since Russia’s annexation of Ukraine in March, some in Congress have pushed for the military to move up its timeline for the land site in Poland. Current schedules call for the

Romania site to be finished by the end of 2015 and for the Poland site to be installed a year later. The destroyer detachment also increases the Navy presence in Europe as demand rises for U.S. warships. Baltic and Eastern European

countries seek reassurances against an expansionist Russia, while flash points in the Mediterranean extend from Syria to North Africa. The USS Cook visited the Black Sea on its first patrol in April, one of a string of U.S. warship visits intended to show U.S. accessibility to an important region for Russia, which operates a fleet out of Sevastopol on the Black Sea. The U.S. began making ballistic missile defense patrols in 2011, with ships deploying from the East Coast. Navy officials say forward stationing the ships saves money and manpower. Arrival of the USS Ross and the three other destroyers will increase the U.S. base population of Rota, a former Cold War submarine base and logistics hub set inside a larger Spanish base on the Atlantic coast, near Cádiz. The ships will add roughly 1,200 sailors and personnel, along with 1,800 family members, according to base officials. beardsley.steven@stripes.com Twitter: @sjbeardsley

Veteran Owned Businesses Windy City LLC

1410 Rudakof Cir Anchorage, AK 99508 (907) 222-0844 adaktu.net

Historical Urban Wear

PO Box 141402 Anchorage, AK 99524 (907) 351-8834 classyurbanwear.com

Denali Graphics and Frame

5001 Arctic Blvd Ste 3 Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4456 denaligraphics.com

Mat-Su Tactial

4900 E Palmer-Wasilla Hwy Wasilla, AK 99654 (907) 357-3381 matsutactical.com/index.html

M-W Drilling Inc

12200 Avion St Anchorage, AK 99516 (907) 345-4000 mwdrillinginc.com

Orion Construction Inc

4701 E Shaws Dr Wasilla, AK 99654 (907) 631-3550

orionconstructioninc.net

Revl Inc

650 W 58th Ste J Anchorage, AK 99518 (907) 563-8302 revlinc.net/Contact.aspx

World-wide Movers Inc

7120 Hart St Anchorage, AK 99518 (907) 349-2581 world-widemovers.com

Federal Resource Solutions

PO Box 244911 Anchorage, AK 99524 (760) 473-2982 www.4frs.com

A-Two Septic

8460 E Gold Bullion Blvd Palmer, AK 99645 (907) 841-8632 www.a2septic.com

Alaska Commercial Carpenting and Services 8530 Gordon Cir Anchorage, AK 99507 (907) 830-9878 www.accs1.com

Alaska Construction Surveys LLC

4141 B St Ste 203 Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 344-5505 www.akconstsurveys.com

Alaska Veteran’s Business Alliance 3705 Arctic Blvd #1335 Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 279-4779 www.akvba.org

Computer Matrix Court Reporter

135 Christensen Dr Anchorage, AK 99501 (907) 243-0668 www.computermatrixcourtreporters.com

Container Specialties of Alaska

8150 Petersburg St Anchorage, AK 99507 (907) 349-2300 www.containerspecialtiesak.com

Custom Truck Inc

Ace Delivery and Moving Inc

4748 Old Seward Hwy Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 563-5490 www.customtruckak.com

Brown’s Electrical Supply

8240 Petersburg St Anchorage, AK 99507 (907) 562-2312 www.denalidrilling.com

7920 Schoon St Anchorage, AK 99518 (907) 522-6684 www.alaskanace.com

365 Industrial Way Anchorage, AK 99501 (907) 272-2259 www.brownselectric.com

Central Environmental

311 N Sitka St Anchorage AK 99501 (907) 561-0125 www.cei-alaska.com/contactus.html

Denali Drilling

J&S Auto Repair

21065 Bill Stevens Dr Chugiak, AK 99567 (907) 688-1191 www.jsautoak.com

Lemay Engineering and Consulting

4272 Chelsea Way Anchorage, AK 99504 (907) 250-9038 www.lemayengineering.com/Contact.html

LMC Management Services

2440 E Tudor Rd 1123 Anchorage, AK 99507 (907) 242-6069 www.lmcmanagementservices.com

Lugo’s Upholstery

648 E Dowling Rd Ste 101 Anchorage AK 99518 (907) 562-5846 www.lugosupholstery.com

Microbyte Computers

PO Box 90057 Anchorage, AK 99509 (907) 382-8397 www.mbcak.com/contact/

Mckinley Fence Co of Alaska, Inc

5901 Lake Otis Pkwy, Anchorage, AK 99507 (907) 563-3731 www.mckinleyfence.com

June 20, 2014

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NORAD: Russian bombers fly close to Alaska, Calif. I

Political scene needs more military spouses

BY JON H ARPER Stars and Stripes

WASHINGTON — Russian bombers flew close to Alaska and California earlier this month, prompting the U.S. Air Force to scramble fighter aircraft, according to North American Aerospace Defense Command. The first encounter occurred June 9 at about 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time when four Russian Tu-95 Bear-H long-range bombers and an Il-76 refueling tanker entered the outer portion of the North American air defense identification zone near Alaska. In response, two American F-22 fighter jets based in Alaska were scrambled. The U.S. aircraft visually identified the Russian aircraft and shadowed them until they left the air defense identification zone, said Canadian Army Capt. Jennifer Stadnyk, a NORAD spokeswoman. NORAD, based in Colorado, is a joint military command staffed by U.S. and Canadian personnel. NORAD is charged with defending North American airspace. After the F-22s began shadowing the bombers, two of the Tu-95s headed west and left the zone. The other two left the zone heading south, but later re-entered the near northern California around 9:30 p.m. Pacific time. At one point, the Russian bombers were only 50 miles off the California coast, according to Stadnyk. Two F-15s based in Oregon were launched, and the jets followed the bombers until they left the

zone, Stadnyk said. “The [Russian] aircraft remained in international airspace at all times, behaved professionally, and undertook no dangerous military activities,” according to Stadnyk. “At no time did any of the bombers ever enter sovereign [U.S.] airspace.” An ADIZ is a zone where foreign aircraft are required to identify themselves to the nation whose airspace they are approaching. The North American ADIZ extends 200 miles off the region’s coastline. Sovereign airspace only extends 12 miles beyond the coast. Under international law, foreign military aircraft are not allowed to enter another nation’s sovereign airspace without permission, but they are allowed to transit an ADIZ. “There’s no [legal] reason why they couldn’t be there. But … when they enter our ADIZ, that’s our air defense identification zone, so we go up and check out to see what they’re doing and who they are and what their intent is,” Stadnyk explained. “We believe that it was a training exercise,” Stadnyk said. “It’s not unusual for them to be more active at this time of the year as part of their training cycle. But … often [when] they do their training, they might not get that close.” The last time Russian aircraft flew that close to California’s coast was July 2012, according to Stadnyk. The Tu-95s are capable of carrying nuclear weapons. Stadnyk did not known if

Max D. Lederer Jr., Publisher Terry Leonard, Editorial Director Tina Croley, Enterprise Editor Amanda L. Trypanis, U.S. Edition Editor Michael Davidson, Revenue Director CONTACT US 529 14th Street NW, Suite 350 Washington, D.C. 20045-1301 Email: stripesweekly@stripes.com Editorial: (202) 761-0908 Advertising: (202) 761-0910 Daniel Krause, Weekly Partnership Director: krause.dan@stripes.com Additional contact information: stripes.com

the Russian bombers were armed. She said for this type of aircraft, the ordnance on it wouldn’t necessarily be clearly visible. She said there was “standard communications” between the Russian and American pilots during the encounters, but would not provide additional details. A few weeks ago, a U.S. electronic reconnaissance plane was intercepted by a Russian fighter, prompting complaints to Russian officials from top U.S. military officials. On April 23, a U.S. Air Force RC-135U was flying in international airspace on a “routine mission” over the sea of Okhotsk when it was intercepted by a single Russian Su-27 Flanker, Pentagon spokesman Col. Steve Warren told reporters. “The Su-27 approached the RC-135 across the nose of the U.S. aircraft within approximately 100 feet,” Warren said. There was no radio communication between the two aircraft, but the Russian jet rolled to expose its armaments to the crew of the U.S. jet, according to Warren. The RC135U’s pilots did not need to engage in evasive maneuvers, Warren said. These recent aerial encounters came in the wake of Russia’s annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea region and large military buildup near Ukraine’s borders, which raised tensions between the former Cold War rivals. harper.jon@stripes.com Twitter: @JHarperStripes

This publication is a compilation of stories from Stars and Stripes, the editorially independent newspaper authorized by the Department of Defense for members of the military community. The contents of Stars and Stripes are unofficial, and are not to be considered as the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, including the Defense Department or the military services. The U.S. Edition of Stars and Stripes is published jointly by Stars and Stripes and this newspaper. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the DOD or Stars and Stripes of the products or services advertised. Products or services advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron.

n these days of threatspouse professionals — Lauened reductions in ren Weiner, Donna Huneycutt military benefits and and Mary Reding — conmismanagement at cerned about the waning the Department of Veterans number of military-connected Affairs, phoning or writing people in a government. legislators to sound off about “We created Homefront the issues is no longer good Rising to empower military enough for some military spouses to change the political spouses. conversation,” Reding said. “Instead of just saying, ‘Call “Having accomplished people your congressman,’ military in office who also have a true spouses are asking, ‘Why can’t understanding of the military I be my congressman?’ ” said lifestyle makes our whole Amanda Patterson Crowe, a country stronger.” Navy reservist and Navy wife. Air Force wife Adrianna Crowe is also the executive Domingos-Lupher attended director of In Gear Career, both events. which promotes professional “What I experienced and development and education for observed while attending military spouses. Homefront Rising was pure In Gear Career and the electricity,” said DomingosMilitary Spouse JD Network, Lupher, edian association of legal profestor-in-chief SPOUSE CALLS sionals dedicated to causes of the online associated with military magazine families, were the co-hosts of NextGen Homefront Rising this week in Military Tampa, Fla. Spouse. “We Homefront Rising is a onehad military day seminar geared to inform spouses military spouses about local, from every state and national politics, political said Lori Volkman, a Navy affiliation wife and communications — right, left Terri Barnes director for and smackMSJDN. She dab-inJoin the conversation with Terri at and Crowe the-center have served as stripes.com/go/spousecalls — eager to organizers for learn how the events. to leverage This week’s seminar in their experience … to bridge Tampa was the second. The the military and civilian first was in February in Washdivide by engaging in the ington, D.C. The events are political process.” non-partisan and are intended Volkman said Homefront to train military spouses to enRising is changing the nature gage in political action at any of political engagement in the level. Military spouses mingle military community. Particiwith other like-minded milipants have gone on to work on tary spouses as well as elected local campaigns, serve on the officials and political leaders. boards of community organiSpeakers at the events zations and publish articles. span the political spectrum. Crowe said the program Many are veterans or military taps into the potential of milifamily members. They have tary spouses. included Army veteran and “We developed Homefront wounded warrior Rep. Tammy Rising because we believe Duckworth, D-Ill.; Air Force military spouses can serve as veteran Rep. Dave Reichert, powerful representatives of R-Wa.; military spouse and military families, and because Republican governor of South of our breadth of experience Carolina, Nikki Haley; and in living everywhere from Rep. Niki Tsongas, D-Mass., small-town America to large who is a military daughter. metropolitan cities, we can Attendees also hear from also represent families outside political staffers and experts the military,” Crowe said. about campaign management, There are no Homefront networking, public image, fundraising and the toll a cam- Rising events on the calendar yet, but the enthusiasm of the paign can take on a family. organizers and participants Homefront Rising is the suggest there will be soon. brainchild of three military

Veteran Owned Businesses Britten & Associates

2616 Sorbus Cir Anchorage, AK 99508 (907) 440-8181 www.brittenassociates.com

Brr Concepts

17214 Meadow Creek Dr Eagle River, AK 99577 (907) 727-8438 www.brrconcepts.com

Coldfoot Environmental Services

6670 Wes Way Anchorage, AK 99518 (907) 770-9936 www.coldfootenv.com

Currier’s Asphalt Maintenance

1605 Roosevelt Dr Anchorage, AK 99517 (907) 522-8687 www.curriers.com

Denali Bio-Diesel Inc

22443 Sambar Loop Chugiak, AK 99567 (743) 730-8665 www.denalibiodiesel.com

Environmental Compliance Consulting

1500 Post Rd Anchorage, AK 99501 (907) 644-0428 www.eccalaska.com

Lasher Sport Inc

801 E 82nd Ave Anchorage, AK 99518 (907) 529-8833 www.lashersport.com

Ljc Group Limited

Sustainable Design Group LLC

1785 East Raven Cir Wasilla, AK 99654 (907) 720-3259 www.sdg-ak.com

Ltr Training Systems Inc.

Weston Productions 20845 Frosty Dr Chugiak, AK 99567 (907) 229-6116 www.westonproductions.tv

Yard Chief Yard Care Inc

Frank Flavin Photography

7045 Welmer Rd Apt 5 Anchorage, AK 99502 (907) 632-5597 www.ljconline.com

5761 Silverado Way Ste Q Anchorage, AK 99518 (907) 563-4463 www.survivaltraining.com

MH Consulting

3431 Amber Bay Loop Anchorage, AK 99515 (907) 344-4521 www.mhcinc.net

Triphase Adventure Group

Frigid North G

1405 W 27th Ave Unit 306 Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 360-1989 www.tagalaska.com

2120 Casey Cusack Lp Anchorage, AK 99515 (907) 306-7052 www.zusam.spruz.com

Alaska Radiator Distributor LLC

Tenant Watch

Heavenly Sights

5401 Cordova St Ste 305 Anchorage, AK 99518 (907) 561-1606 www.flavinphotography.com

3309 Spenard Rd Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4633 www.frigidn.com

Globelink Telecom Inc

6706 Greenwood St Unit 2 PO Box 231256 Anchorage AK 99523 (907) 562-0384 www.radiator.com

JamesVelox & James

Really Creative Business Solutions

6911 Tanaina Dr Anchorage, AK 99502 (907) 243-0118 www.globelinktel.com

3000 C St Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 310-5785 www.jvjresearch.com

9138 Arlon St Ste A3 A3-88 Anchorage, AK 99507 (907) 646-2005 www.rcbusinesssolutions.com/index/html

3201 C St Ste 202 Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 272-7336 www.tenantwatch.net

Trailboss Enterprises Inc 201 E 3rd Ave Anchorage, AK 99501 (907) 338-8243 www.trailboss.biz

1425 N Spar Ave #2 Anchorage, AK 99501 (907) 337-3355 www.yardchief.biz

Bandapart Productions

Charters & Campground Ninilchik, AK Deep Creek (907) 567-73671 www.heavenlysights.com

Pyramid Audio

2440 Seward Hwy Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 272-9111 www.pyramidaudiovideo.com

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June 20, 2014 Friday, June 20, 2014

FREELANCE WRITERS Stars & Stripes U.S. Edition – Alaska is looking for freelance writers to add a local flavor to our newspaper. Two specific areas of interest are “Veteran Spotlights”, focusing on Alaska Veterans, and “Explore Alaska” focusing on Alaska adventure. Other topics will be added as well.

If you have a desire to help tell our readers about our local Veterans, Alaska’s outdoors, and other newsworthy topics, please email SteveA@AK.net. Please include some writing samples.