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Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Science on Health, Safety to Launch on 31st SpaceX Resupply Mission

    Source: NASA

    5 min read

    New science experiments for NASA are set to launch aboard the agency’s SpaceX 31st commercial resupply services mission to the International Space Station. The six investigations aim to contribute to cutting-edge discoveries by NASA scientists and research teams. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft will liftoff aboard the company’s Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

    Science experiments aboard the spacecraft include a test to study smothering fires in space, evaluating quantum communications, analyzing antibiotic-resistant bacteria, examining health issues like blood clots and inflammation in astronauts, as well as growing romaine lettuce and moss in microgravity.

    Developing Firefighting Techniques in Microgravity

    Putting out a fire in space requires a unique approach to prioritize the safety of the spacecraft environment and crew. The SoFIE-MIST (Solid Fuel Ignition and Extinction – Material Ignition and Suppression Test) is one of five investigations chosen by NASA since 2009 to develop techniques on how to contain and put out fires in microgravity. Research from the experiment could strengthen our understanding of the beginning stages of fire growth and behavior, which will assist in building and developing more resilient space establishments and creating better plans for fire suppression in space

    NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins services components that support the SOFIE (Solid Fuel Ignition and Extinction) fire safety experiment inside the International Space Station’s combustion integrated rack
    Credit: NASA

    Combating Antibiotic Resistance

    Resistance to antibiotics is as much of a concern for astronauts in space as it is for humans on Earth. Research determined that the impacts of microgravity can weaken a human’s immune system during spaceflight, which can lead to an increase of infection and illness for those living on the space station.

    The GEARS (Genomic Enumeration of Antibiotic Resistance in Space) investigation scans the orbiting outpost for bacteria resistant to antibiotics and these organisms are studied to learn how they thrive and adapt to microgravity. Research results could help increase the safety of astronauts on future missions as well as provide clues to improving human health on Earth.

    A sample media plate pictured aboard the International Space Station. The GEARS (Genomic Enumeration of Antibiotic Resistance in Space) investigation surveys the orbiting laboratory for antibiotic-resistant organisms. Genetic analysis could provide knowledge that informs measures to protect astronauts on future long-duration missions
    Credit: NASA

    Understanding Inflammation and Blood Clotting

    Microgravity takes a toll on the human body and studies have shown that astronauts have had cases of inflammation and abnormally regulated blood clotting. The MeF-1 (Megakaryocytes Orbiting in Outer Space and Near Earth: The MOON Study (Megakaryocyte Flying-One)) investigation will conduct research on how the conditions in microgravity can impact the creation and function of platelets and bone-marrow megakaryocytes. Megakaryocytes, and their progeny, platelets, are key effector cells bridging the inflammatory, immune, and hemostatic continuum.

    This experiment could help scientists learn about the concerns caused by any changes in the formation of clots, inflammation, and immune responses both on Earth and during spaceflight.

    A scanning electron-microscopy image of human platelets taken at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory
    NASA Space Radiation Laboratory

    Building the Space Salad Bar

    The work continues to grow food in the harsh environment of space that is both nutritious and safe for humans to consume. With Plant Habitat-07, research continues on ‘Outredgeous’ romaine lettuce, first grown on the International Space Station in 2014.

    This experiment will sprout this red lettuce in microgravity in the space station’s Advanced Plant Habitat and study how optimal and suboptimal moisture conditions impact plant growth, nutrient content, and the plant microbiome. The knowledge gained will add to NASA’s history of growing vegetables in space and could also benefit agriculture on Earth.

    Pace crop production scientist Oscar Monje harvests Outredgeous romaine lettuce for preflight testing of the Plant Habitat-07 experiment inside a laboratory at the Space Systems Processing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida
    NASA/Ben Smegelsky

    Mixing Moss with Space Radiation

    ARTEMOSS (ANT1 Radiation Tolerance Experiment with Moss in Orbit on the Space Station) continues research that started on Earth with samples of Antarctic moss that underwent simulated solar radiation at the NASA Space Radiation Lab at Brookhaven National Lab in Upton, New York.

    After exposure to radiation some of the moss samples will spend time on the orbiting outpost in the microgravity environment and some will remain on the ground in the 1g environment. ARTEMOSS will study how Antarctic moss recovers from any potential damage from ionizing radiation exposure when plants remain on the ground and when plants grow in spaceflight microgravity. This study leads the way in understanding the effects of combined simulated cosmic ionizing radiation and spaceflight microgravity on live plants, providing more clues to plant performance in exploration missions to come.  

    An example of moss plants grown for the ARTEMOSS mission
    Credit: NASA

    Enabling Communication in Space Between Quantum Computers

    The SEAQUE (Space Entanglement and Annealing Quantum Experiment) will experiment with technologies that, if successful, will enable communication on a quantum level using entanglement. Researchers will focus on validating in space a new technology, enabling easier and more robust communication between two quantum systems across large distances. The research from this experiment could lead to developing building blocks for communicating between equipment such as quantum computers with enhanced security.

    A quantum communications investigation, called SEAQUE (Space Entanglement and Annealing Quantum Experiment), is pictured as prepared for launch to the International Space Station on NASA’s SpaceX 31st commercial resupply services mission. The investigation is integrated on a MISSE-20 (Materials International Space Station Experiment) device, which is a platform for experiments on the outside of space station exposing instrumentation directly to the space environment. SEAQUE will conduct experiments in quantum entanglement while being exposed to the radiation environment of space
    Credit: NASA

    Related resources:

    NASA’s Biological and Physical Sciences Division pioneers scientific discovery and enables exploration by using space environments to conduct investigations not possible on Earth. Studying biological and physical phenomenon under extreme conditions allows researchers to advance the fundamental scientific knowledge required to go farther and stay longer in space, while also benefitting life on Earth.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement from NASA’s Janet Petro on FY23 Economic Impact Report

    Source: NASA

    America is returning to the Moon with our sights set on Mars, and NASA is leading the way. Along with our industry and international partners, we’re advancing scientific research, inspiring the next generation of explorers, and ensuring reliable and continuous access to space for our nation.
    NASA’s Economic Impact Report for fiscal year (FY) 2023 highlights the nation’s strong return on its investment in NASA. Our missions help unveil the secrets of the universe and our home planet while also benefitting the taxpayers, communities, and industries across the country.
    Here at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, we are on track for another record-setting year of launches from our Space Coast. Recent NASA missions will tell us more about Earth’s weather and climate, explore Jupiter’s moon Europa for the ingredients of life, and enable more innovative research on the International Space Station. We’re also busy building the Artemis rockets, spacecraft, and technologies that will allow our astronauts to live and work on the Moon.
    While exploring the universe for the benefit of all, NASA is also supporting the U.S. economy. During FY23, an investment of less than one-half of 1% of the federal budget, the agency generated $76 billion in total economic output nationwide.
    In Florida alone, NASA activities in FY2023 supported 35,685 jobs in the state and $8.2 billion in economic output, resulting in an additional $286.6 million in state tax revenue. NASA Kennedy’s unique facilities, proven technical capabilities, and master plan enable nearly 250 partnerships with 100 private-sector partners. And the dedication and commitment of our workforce means that our spaceport remains the world’s leader in space science, human exploration, and technology development.
    As we look toward a future of more exploration and discovery, I invite you to learn more about the impacts that NASA missions may have had in your life. The agency’s technology transfer initiatives transition NASA innovations into private hands, where real impacts are made. And NASA’s STEM engagements encourage research and the study of science, technology, engineering, and math at all ages.
    And, of course, I hope you will learn more about the exciting work we’re doing at Earth’s premier spaceport by visiting:
    www.nasa.gov/kennedy
    -end-
    Images of Janet Petro are available from NASA’s image library in vertical and horizontal  formats.
    Patti BiellingKennedy Space Center, Florida321-501-7575patricia.a.bielling@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: USGS Reinvents Widely Used NLCD

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Annual NLCD arrived October 24, 2024, with a new ability to look at land cover and land change year by year, and over a longer time span than previous versions: from 1985 to 2023.

    Two years of effort went into the reinvention of a resource that’s widely used by federal agencies, state and local governments, researchers and many others. NLCD has contributed to a foundation of data essential for land monitoring, planning and decision-making.

    While Annual NLCD focuses on the ground, it relies on data captured 438 miles up. Satellites in the Landsat Program provide the long time series of data that allows users of Annual NLCD to compare change over time such as city growth, wildfire effects and forest fluctuations. 

    Previously, NLCD offered land cover information every two to three years from 2001 to 2021. Annual NLCD offers land cover information for every year for nearly four decades and has a shorter production time going forward. The new October release, called Annual NLCD Collection 1.0, includes information from the previous year for the lower 48 United States, just as the update in 2025 will include information from 2024.

     

    Upgrading ‘Built-in, Foundational Layer’ 

    Annual NLCD, produced at the USGS Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center, is part of a larger suite of land cover mapping and monitoring data produced by the Multi-Resolution Land Characteristics (MRLC) consortium, a group of federal agencies that coordinate and generate consistent and relevant land cover information at the national scale.

    The new “Annual” part of NLCD comes in response to the needs of people who use NLCD data. As Earth Observation Applications Coordinator for the USGS National Land Imaging Program, it’s Zhuoting Wu’s job to know what kinds of Earth observation products are valued most by federal agencies. 

    Through a survey, Wu discovered: “NLCD is the most widely used observation product we surveyed. People use it pretty much for everything. It goes into models or applications as a built-in, foundational layer.”

    Terry Sohl, Chief of the Integrated Science and Applications Branch at EROS, agreed. “The user community is so extensive,” he said. “There are so many federal agencies that absolutely rely on it, whether it’s the Bureau of Land Management, whether it’s the Environmental Protection Agency for regulatory concerns, whether it’s Fish and Wildlife for habitat management, or whether it’s Health and Human Services. It’s hard to find an agency that does not use NLCD.”

    However, in the federal survey from Wu, users did express the desire for annual updates produced more quickly.

    In the meantime, another EROS-led land cover project arose to provide annual land cover and change information stretching back to 1985. However, Land Change Monitoring, Assessment and Projection (LCMAP), first released in 2020, did not contain as much detail about land cover types as NLCD, especially in urban and forested areas.

    Wu said users found NLCD useful for its classification detail and LCMAP for its frequency, but “a combination of the two really gets the needs met.” That combination is Annual NLCD.

    The USGS EROS Center’s production of the Annual National Land Cover Database (NLCD) involves Terry Sohl, Chief of the Integrated Science and Applications Branch; Physical Scientist Jon Dewitz; and Research Geographer Jesslyn Brown.

    Evolution of NLCD Leads to ‘Touching Every Landsat Pixel’

    Work on the original NLCD product began well before high performance computing and cloud computing could provide automation. Processes have changed since Annual NLCD team member Jon Dewitz spent two years leading field work nearly 20 years ago to figure out which land classes should be labeled where. 

    “Making a land cover map from scratch is very different than developing an algorithm,” Dewitz said.

    That hard-earned information proved foundational to the progression of NLCD, however; processes for each data release grew more automated over time. “This has been a gradual evolution,” Dewitz said. “It’s another magnitude of effort to produce Annual NLCD because are we touching every Landsat pixel.”

    That “magnitude of effort” might be stating it mildly. The number of Landsat pixels processed for Annual NLCD numbered 295 trillion, from a total of 310 terabytes of Landsat data used.

    The task of creating Annual NLCD required new methods involving a lot of research and development, along with engineering. 

    One improvement that helped the team produce Annual NLCD in just two years was the ability to process the vast amount of imagery in the cloud alongside the Landsat data. “That is enabling us to make things faster,” said Jesslyn Brown, the Annual NLCD project manager, compared to previously having to move the imagery to a supercomputer for processing.

    Deep Learning Key to Development 

    Deep learning is another technological advantage the team leveraged for processing. Deep learning is a type of artificial intelligence that uses large amounts of data and, like the human brain, learns to recognize patterns—in imagery, for example—to solve problems or make predictions. This was especially important for Annual NLCD because datasets that helped with past NLCD land cover decisions didn’t go as far back as 1985. 

    The six different Annual NLCD science products, with examples all shown of the Marysville, Washington, area. 

    “We had to rely a lot more on the spectral imagery and also on deep learning to do a better job of inferring what’s happening in the Landsat imagery,” Dewitz said. “Deep learning really did a great job of linking all of that data together.”

    EROS Center Director Pete Doucette has long been an advocate for the use of data science to help solve scientific challenges. “Annual NLCD is blazing the trail as among the first generation of operational products at EROS that incorporate deep learning methods to improve performance,” Doucette said. “And I believe that we’re just getting started with where we can take machine learning methods at EROS.”

    Rylie Fleckenstein, the Research and Development (R&D) technical lead for Annual NLCD and a contractor at EROS, looked at previous methods for producing NLCD and LCMAP to help determine the new Annual NLCD process—“moving away from the hand editing, so to speak, and incorporating algorithms or different approaches to automate the process.”

    That production process included a change detection component, like LCMAP had, to determine where and when change had occurred on the landscape, and also a classification component to determine the type of land cover in an area. Some refinement was necessary in areas with trickier or inaccurate classifications. 

    The resulting new release contains a suite of six products associated with land cover and change: 

    • Land Cover: The predominant land cover class
    • Land Cover Change: The change between one year and the next
    • Land Cover Confidence: The probability value for the land cover class
    • Fractional Impervious Surface: The amount of area covered by artificial surfaces like pavement or concrete
    • Impervious Descriptor: The differentiation between roads and other artificial surfaces
    • Spectral Change Day of Year: The timing of a significant change in Landsat data  

    Team Met Challenges During ‘Intense Two Years’

    Brown estimated about 30 people have been involved in producing Annual NLCD. That includes scientists and engineers involved in the research and production stages, and also those collecting reference data to check for errors and validate the results.

    Dewitz praised the team for all they accomplished in the two-year timeframe. “The R&D team was challenged and pushed, and they performed wonderfully,” he said. 

    The engineering side had to do much of their work while R&D was still going on. “Thankfully we have an excellent engineering team,” Dewitz said. “They worked in pieces and did kind of a hybrid engineering process.”

    Sohl, the EROS science chief, thinks the infrastructure developed to produce Annual NLCD should be helpful for other science projects, too. 

    “This has been an intense two years,” Sohl said. “I’m just so proud of the team. They have worked so hard, and they performed a minor miracle in terms of completely revamping the methodology and moving all of the technology into the cloud. Now that we have this infrastructure set up, it really facilitates the next level of improvements for Annual NLCD.”

     

     

    Improvements Helpful for Heat and Flooding Studies

    Annual NLCD is national in scope, but on a local level, it fills the need that cities or other entities have for detailed and accurate land cover information that spans decades.

    George Xian, a research physical scientist at EROS, is grateful that Annual NLCD has arrived so he can start using it in his urban heat island work. He is in the midst of expanding his study of trends in changing average surface temperatures and hotspot locations from 50 to 300 U.S. cities.

    This type of information is important for cities to know because they can develop plans to help residents cope during periods of extreme heat, which can cause illness or death in vulnerable populations.

    For the 50-city study, Xian and his colleagues needed the annual land cover data beginning with 1985 that LCMAP provided, but also the more detailed information about paved surfaces, concrete and rooftops—collectively called impervious surfaces, which typically retain more heat—contained in NLCD. “We had to use a so-called hybrid way to integrate NLCD and LCMAP to gather the data for this four-category urban area and also annual change,” Xian said.

    The Annual National Land Cover Database (NLCD) is produced at the USGS EROS Center, which is located in a rural area north of Sioux Falls. Sioux Falls has steadily grown in size and population, as seen here in red in an Annual NLCD animation spanning nearly 40 years. Annual NLCD provides four different developed classes to provide more detailed information about cities.

    For the expanded study with more than 300 cities from 1985 to 2023, Xian said, “we can use Annual NLCD to directly define our urban categories into four categories. We can study their variations and their variation impact to the urban heat island. We can directly pull the data into our algorithm and use it. We don’t need to regenerate the data.”

    Ryan Corcoran is looking forward to using Annual NLCD as well. He serves as the Coordinated Needs Management Strategy (CNMS) team lead at Niyam IT, which is part of the Advancing Resilience in Communities joint venture that provides planning, engineering and mapping support for FEMA’s Zone 1.  One aspect that Corcoran and his colleagues work with involves checking whether flood studies of river and coastal areas remain valid after a period of time, or whether conditions have changed and require a new study.

    In the past, Corcoran said they have had to use multiple data sources, including NLCD, for baseline watershed information and to assess annual changes. 

    “We are excited about the upcoming expansion of the NLCD. It will make it easier for us to calculate baseline watershed imperviousness and land use changes using a single dataset,” Corcoran said. “The availability of this extensive data is critical, as we sometimes validate flood studies that date back to the 1970s. Increased data availability allows us to better evaluate flood risk, especially when validating older flood studies.”

    More Access to Annual NLCD Data

    Annual NLCD users have more options to access the data than before. The data is still available on the MRLC website, but it also has been added to the cloud and to the USGS EROS data access site EarthExplorer. 

    “We’re trying to respond to people’s requests for data in all kinds of different ways,” said Brown, the Annual NLCD project manager.

    The data will be updated more frequently, too. “In the past, it’s usually taken over a year, if not more, to do an NLCD update,” said science branch chief Sohl. “We’re setting the stage where, by the middle of every year, we’re going to have an update for the previous year.”

    Annual NLCD is providing more useful information more quickly for the people relying on it—which, as it turns out, might be most of us, with NLCD’s history as a key source of data woven into the background of society.   

    “Annual NLCD represents the next generation of highly accurate mapping information that keeps pace with evolving user needs,” said EROS Director Doucette. “Annual NLCD products will become increasingly relevant toward assessing land use and land condition. They provide key change indicators for understanding environmental interactions and consequences. These are the kinds of things that decision makers ultimately want to know.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Veteran celebrates birthday and 69 years of SETAF-AF

    Source: United States Army

    U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Andrew C. Gainey, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) commanding general, cuts the SETAF-AF 69th anniversary cake alongside the youngest soldier, Pfc. Daely Goodwin, and the oldest soldier, Retired U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ed Furnish. Gainey was joined by Sgt. Maj. Gabriel Liera, far left, and Magda Miselli, the daughter of Phil Maselli, who served at SETAF-AF for 43 years. Miselli presented a journal belonging to her father, documenting the early history of SETAF-AF during the celebration. The event, held at Caserma Del Din in Vicenza, Italy, Oct. 24, 2024, honored Miselli, Furnish, and other guests. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Katherine Sibilla (Photo Credit: 1st Lt. Katherine Sibilla) VIEW ORIGINAL

    Back to 

    U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa

    VICENZA, Italy — Every year, retired U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ed Furnish says he gets to celebrate two birthdays—one in September and one in October. The first is his actual birthday; the second is the anniversary of U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) —an organization that holds a special meaning in his life since he was stationed here in 1959, when he arrived as a 17-year-old from a small farm in Indiana.

    Now 82 years old, Furnish was the oldest attendee at SETAF-AF’s 69th anniversary and had the honor of cutting the birthday cake alongside the youngest Soldier, Pfc. Daely Goodwin, at the celebration. They were joined by U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Andrew C. Gainey, commanding general of SETAF-AF.

    Throughout his military career, Furnish served with SETAF-AF—then called SETAF until 2020—in the logistics division. After retiring from the military, he spent 34 years as a civil servant, living in Vicenza for many of those years working for SETAF-AF and U.S. Army Garrison Italy.

    “SETAF means home,” said Furnish. “I married my wife, an Italian from nearby Castelfranco. All three of my children attended school here, and my youngest daughter was born in the hospital on post.”

    U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Andrew C. Gainey, commanding general of U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), speaks with Retired U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ed Furnish prior to the commencement of the SETAF-AF 69th anniversary ceremony, held at Caserma Del Din in Vicenza, Italy, Oct. 24, 2024. Furnish had the honor of cutting SETAF-AF’s 69th anniversary cake alongside Gainey, as the oldest attendee at the celebration. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Katherine Sibilla) (Photo Credit: 1st Lt. Katherine Sibilla) VIEW ORIGINAL

    Over the last eight decades, Furnish has witnessed SETAF-AF evolve, adapting to new missions and expanding its reach across continents. Initially, the unit operated as part of NATO’s defense in Southern Europe, with a particular focus on protecting Italy. When Furnish arrived in Vicenza in 1959, SETAF consisted of 6,000 Soldiers and was divided into three major elements: a headquarters command, missile command and a logistical command. The command spanned three installations in Verona, Vicenza and Livorno.

    “I think SETAF started out with a purpose in 1955, and now there’s an even bigger purpose for SETAF-AF. They’re going to keep growing,” Furnish said.

    1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Andrew C. Gainey, commanding general of U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), pays tribute to Retired U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ed Furnish, who served with SETAF-AF, and Magda Maselli, the daughter of Phil Maselli, who served at SETAF-AF for 43 years, during the SETAF-AF 69th anniversary ceremony at Caserma Del Din in Vicenza, Italy, Oct. 24, 2024. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Katherine Sibilla) (Photo Credit: 1st Lt. Katherine Sibilla) VIEW ORIGINAL
    2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A journal belonging to Phil Maselli, which documented the early history of U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), was presented to U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Andrew C. Gainey, commanding general of SETAF-AF during the 69th anniversary ceremony at Caserma Del Din in Vicenza, Italy, Oct. 24, 2024.(U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Katherine Sibilla) (Photo Credit: 1st Lt. Katherine Sibilla) VIEW ORIGINAL

    He also saw Vicenza evolve from a city recovering from the destruction of World War II to a bustling center of activity. Yet, for Furnish, one thing that has not changed in over 65 years is the core of Italian culture.

    “Italy has always had fantastic food and wine—none of that has changed,” he said. “The Italian way of life hasn’t changed either. Life may be faster-paced now, but their culture remains the same as it was when I arrived in 1959.”

    During the 69th anniversary ceremony, Furnish joined other U.S. and Italian military dignitaries, including Magda Maselli, the daughter of Phil Maselli, who served SETAF-AF for 43 years. A journal belonging to Phil Maselli, which documented the early history of SETAF-AF, was presented to Gainey during the event.

    1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Andrew C. Gainey, commanding general of U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), pays tribute to Retired U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ed Furnish, who served with SETAF-AF, and Magda Maselli, the daughter of Phil Maselli, who served SETAF-AF for 43 years, during the SETAF-AF 69th anniversary ceremony at Caserma Del Din in Vicenza, Italy, Oct. 24, 2024.(U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Katherine Sibilla) (Photo Credit: 1st Lt. Katherine Sibilla) VIEW ORIGINAL
    2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Magda Maselli, the daughter of Phil Maselli, who served U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), for 43 years, speaks during the SETAF-AF 69th anniversary ceremony at Caserma Del Din in Vicenza, Italy, Oct. 24, 2024. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Katherine Sibilla) (Photo Credit: 1st Lt. Katherine Sibilla) VIEW ORIGINAL

    “We have worked side-by-side with our Italian hosts to promote peace and security,” said Gainey. “I’m proud to be part of that legacy, and today we have an opportunity to honor two individuals whose contributions shaped our shared history.”

    Before the cake cutting, Gainey recognized both Furnish and Maselli for their contributions and long-standing service to SETAF-AF.

    “I think it’s great that SETAF continues to recognize this every year, showing the younger generation that the tradition is going to carry on,” Furnish concluded.

    About SETAF-AF

    SETAF-AF provides U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Army Europe and Africa a dedicated headquarters to synchronize Army activities in Africa and scalable crisis-response options in Africa and Europe.

    Follow SETAF-AF on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn & DVIDS

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: IAM Illinois Local 660 Members on Strike for Fair Contract at Eaton

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    Approximately 400 members of International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 660 (District 9) are on strike for a fair contract at Eaton Corp., facilities in Highland and Troy, Ill.

    On Sunday, Oct. 20, IAM Local 660 members voted to reject a contract offer from Eaton management that had insufficient wages to keep pace with inflation and industry standards, high health insurance costs, no improvements to work-life balance, and substandard retirement security. IAM members at Eaton are currently forced to work six day work weeks. The company is also seeking to turn a 30-minute break into two 15-minute breaks, leaving little time to have a meal. Management also wants to eliminate the two 10-minute breaks per shift. 

    Members also voted to strike, which began on Monday, Oct. 21.

    “Eaton management needs to come back to the table and negotiate a contract that treats IAM members with respect,” said IAM District 9 Directing Business Representative Jason Tetidrick. “IAM Local 660 members are simply seeking a fair deal that provides a dignified living for their families and communities.”

    IAM members at Eaton, a global power management company in the aerospace and electric supply industries, are dedicated professionals whose jobs range from machinist to tool and die maker.

    “The entire IAM Union stands with our 400 IAM Local 660 members who are taking a stand for fairness and respect in the workplace,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “We will use every resource necessary to stand up to this company to get the strong and equitable contract our members rightfully deserve.”

    The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries. 

    goIAM.org | @MachinistsUnion

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    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn Honors Faculty, Staff, Students, and Community Partners at Provost’s Awards Ceremony

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    The University of Connecticut celebrated its outstanding faculty, staff, students, and community partners at the annual Provost’s Awards Ceremony held this month. The event recognized exceptional contributions to UConn’s academic mission, innovative research, and community engagement, highlighting the remarkable impact these individuals and groups have made within the University and beyond.

    Provost Anne D’Alleva, who hosted the ceremony, opened the event by reflecting on the significance of honoring those who have made a lasting difference at UConn. “This evening, we celebrate the achievements of individuals whose dedication and innovation inspire us all. Their work enhances UConn’s reputation as a top public research institution, while also enriching the lives of our students, their fields of study, and the communities we serve.”

    Among the honorees were faculty who excelled in teaching, research, and service, as well as community partners whose collaborations with UConn have had a profound impact on local communities. The ceremony also highlighted students for their leadership and commitment to community engagement and staff members for their dedicated service in support of student success.

    The evening featured special recognitions, including the Alumni Faculty Excellence Award, Provost’s Outstanding Service Award, and the Provost’s Award for Excellence in Community Engaged Scholarship, which acknowledges outstanding contributions to addressing critical community issues through collaborative efforts. The ceremony concluded with a celebration of the Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor awardees, UConn’s highest faculty honor, including Dr. Nora Berrah, Dr. Ki H. Chon, and Dr. Crystal L. Park, whose pioneering work in their respective fields has brought distinction to UConn.

    A full listing of the honorees is below.

    Alumni Faculty Excellence Award

    • Kari Adamsons, Human Development and Family Sciences
    • Senjie Lin, Marine Sciences
    • Annamaria Csizmadia, Human Development and Family Sciences

    Provost’s Outstanding Service Award

    • Caroline Dealy, UConn Health
    • Steve Zinn, Animal Science
    • Michael Finiguerra, Marine Sciences

    Provost’s Award for Excellence in Community Engaged Scholarship

    • Faculty
      • Stephany Santos, Biomedical Engineering (Emerging Faculty Instructor)
      • Dan Burkey, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering (Distinguished Faculty Instructor)
      • Tatiana Andreyeva, Agricultural and Resource Economics (Emerging Faculty Community Impact)
      • Angela Bermúdez-Millán, Public Health Sciences (Distinguished Faculty Community Impact)
      • Roman Shrestha, Allied Health Sciences (Emerging Faculty Research Scholar)
      • Richard Pomp, Law (Distinguished Faculty Research Scholar)
      • Erin Cova, UConn School of Medicine (Graduate Student)
      • Letian Sun, Undergraduate Student
      • Megan Delaney, School of Pharmacy
    • Community Partners
      • Erica Fearn, 4-H Education Center at Auerfarm
      • Herb Virgo, Keney Park Sustainability Project
      • Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, accepted by Jeremy Whipple, Executive Director of Department of Agriculture
    • Institutional Impact
      • UConn Writing Center, accepted by Tom Deans, Director
      • Nadine Brennan, David Embrick, Cynthia Miranda-Donnelly, Janice Castle, and Kim Schwarz, Research on Resilient Cities, Racism, & Equity Initiative (RRCRE)

    Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor

    • Nora Berrah, Physics
    • Ki H. Chon, Biomedical Engineering
    • Chrystal L. Park, Psychological Sciences

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Parson Congratulates Major General Levon Cumpton on His Selection for Key National Guard Leadership Position in Europe

    Source: US State of Missouri

    OCTOBER 24, 2024

    Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced that Major General Levon E. Cumpton, The Adjutant General (TAG) of the Missouri National Guard (MONG), was selected to be the U.S. Army Europe and Africa’s Chief of Staff and Deputy Commanding General for the Army National Guard, effective February 2025.

    “We congratulate and are excited for Major General Cumpton as he enters this next chapter of his career,” Governor Parson said. “General Cumpton has built an incredibly strong team for the Missouri National Guard. While we will miss his leadership and devotion to our state and nation as TAG, we know our nation’s military is stronger and safer with him in this new role.  The Missouri National Guard’s steadfast and dedicated team members will help ensure a smooth transition and continue serving the citizens of our state and nation with excellence.”

    “Levon’s efforts, above and beyond the call of duty, and devotion to his home state have helped bring greater opportunity to thousands of Missourians. Teresa and I thank him for his service and wish him, along with his wife Linda, the best in this new role and all that comes next,” Governor Parson continued.

    “It’s an absolute honor to serve as Missouri’s TAG; I was humbled to be selected by Governor Parson. I continue to be humbled to have the continued confidence and support of our state and national leadership to serve in this new role supporting our U.S. and Allies operations in these critical overseas theaters,” General Cumpton said. “My wife, Linda, and I are blessed to be on this team. To our Missouri National Guard Airmen and Soldiers, thank you for who you are and what you do for our state and nation as you continue to Train, Fight, and Win while Taking Care of Each Other as One Team. Linda and I are moving overseas, but our roots are in Missouri. We love this state, we love our country. Keep Winning.”

    General Cumpton has served as TAG of the MONG since August 2, 2019. He provides command and control of over 12,000 MONG Soldiers, Airmen, and Federal and State employees. He ensures the MONG is staffed, trained, equipped, and resourced for its dual state and federal missions.

    During his tenure, he led MONG in support of civil authorities during the COVID-19 pandemic and numerous relief efforts during floods, winter storms, and other natural disasters. He modernized facilities and the organization of the Joint Force Headquarters and Army and Air units within the state to best meet the interagency needs of the state and federal governments. The MONG deployed units around the globe, in defense of the U.S. homeland, on the U.S. southern border, and throughout the State of Missouri, ensuring the National Guard was always ready, always there.

    General Cumpton will continue to serve as TAG until he takes on his new assignment in February 2025. The next Governor of the State of Missouri will appoint General Cumpton’s replacement as TAG of the MONG.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ashcroft Advises Voters to Use Trusted Sources, Watch for Third Parties that Collect Personal Data 

    Source: US State of Missouri

    For immediate release:                October 24, 2024 

    Contact:                                        JoDonn Chaney, Communications Director

    (573) 526-0949                                                                  

     

    Jefferson City, Mo. — With no-excuse in-person absentee voting underway across the state, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft is encouraging Missouri voters to use trusted sources for election related information – such as county clerks, local election boards, and the Missouri Secretary of State’s office, instead of third-party groups. 

    County officials have reported strong early voting numbers causing lines at designated polling locations. Concerns were raised by a county clerk after a voter arrived expecting to avoid these lines claiming he signed up online for an appointment to vote giving out personal information including home address, phone number and email. 

    “We are seeing a rise in the number of third-party groups claiming to provide information – sometimes misinformation, to voters. Not only are you handing over your personal data without having any way of knowing how it might be used in the future, but appointment voting is not an option,” said Ashcroft. “I want to make sure Missouri voters are receiving information they can trust. Always check with your local election authority or my office if you’re unsure.” 

    Missouri has 116 local election authorities (LEAs) who work to protect election integrity and make sure things run smoothly across the state. To find contact information for your LEA, select the appropriate county from the

    drop-down list found on the Missouri Secretary of State’s website.

    —30—

    Visit www.sos.mo.gov to learn more about the Office of the Missouri Secretary of State.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Six State Revolving Fund loans awarded for water and sanitary sewer projects

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    The State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs, jointly administered by the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality and the North Dakota Public Finance Authority, have awarded six loans for water and sanitary sewer projects since August.

    • The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) awarded $350,000 to Drayton, $15 million to Fargo, and $3.3 million to Jamestown. These cities will replace aging water meters to ensure accurate accounting of water use and identify potential leaks.
    • Grand Forks received a $6.9 million CWSRF loan for Phases 2 through 5 of a sanitary sewer collection installation. This project will serve areas currently on septic systems, reducing potential groundwater impacts.
    • Southeast Water Users District received a $5.7 million Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) loan towards the construction of a new water treatment plant, a new ground storage reservoir, and the expansion of the existing wellfield. This project aims to improve water quality for users in Dickey, LaMoure and Logan counties.
    • Mandan received a $5.5 million DWSRF loan towards replacing the Collins Reservoir, ensuring adequate water storage for the community.

    The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides part of the SRF programs’ funding, which offers below-market interest rate loans to political subdivisions for financing projects authorized under the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act. SRF programs operate nationwide to provide funding to maintain and improve the infrastructure that protects our vital water resources.

    Loans are awarded to projects listed on the project priority list based on project eligibility determined by the Department of Environmental Quality and the Public Finance Authority’s review of repayment ability. The Public Finance Authority is overseen by the North Dakota Industrial Commission, consisting of Governor Doug Burgum as chairman, Attorney General Drew H. Wrigley, and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. Please contact the Department of Environmental Quality at ndsrf@nd.gov regarding specific detail on any of the projects mentioned above.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Oregon Delegation Seeks Federal Help for State’s Record Fire Season

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04)

    October 24, 2024

    For Immediate Release: October 24, 2024

    Citing severe damages to Central and Eastern Oregon, state lawmakers’ letter asks President Biden: “to swiftly provide the federal resources for our communities to recover and rebuild.” 

    WASHINGTON D.C. – Oregon’s entire congressional delegation today urged President Biden to grant Governor Kotek’s request that Oregon receive a major disaster declaration in response to record-setting wildfires that burned about three times the average acreage this year.

    “The 2024 wildfire season has been one of the most devastating and costly fire seasons on record,” U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley as well as U.S. Reps. Earl Blumenauer, Suzanne Bonamici, Cliff Bentz, Val Hoyle, Andrea Salinas and Lori Chavez-DeRemer wrote in their letter to the president. “Central and Eastern Oregon experienced intense heat waves this summer, which dried out vegetation and created extreme fire risk on the landscape.  Severe lightning storms ignited a large number of fires, and windy conditions allowed many of these fires to spread rapidly.”

    “Over 1.9 million acres burned, making it the largest wildfire season by acreage in Oregon’s history.  For context, the state’s 10-year average acres burned is 640,000 acres,” they wrote. “The estimated damages and cost to public infrastructure exceeds $650 million, and this figure does not account for the long-term loss in revenue local businesses will experience as a result of these fires.“

    This year’s extreme infernos and severe storms hit Gilliam, Grant, Jefferson, Umatilla, Wasco, and Wheeler counties hardest, the delegation wrote.  

    “The fires destroyed 42 homes and 132 additional buildings and structures, damaged critical infrastructure and the natural environment, interrupted schools, care facilities, and social services, injured 26 civilians and fire responders, and led to the death of an air tanker pilot,” they wrote. “These fires have also created profound hardship for our ranchers, as they destroyed private and public grazing lands and cut off access to essential resources for livestock.” 

    Governor Kotek declared a statewide emergency from July 12 through October 1, 2024, to mobilize emergency response across rural central and eastern Oregon.  In their letter supporting the governor’s request for federal disaster assistance, the Oregon lawmakers asked the Biden-Harris administration to ensure state, local, and tribal governments have access to all available resources through the Federal Emergency Management Agency and that the state’s cost-share be waived due to a lack of available state funding. 

    “Oregonians now require federal support and assistance to navigate the aftermath of this unprecedented fire season.  The back-to-back incidents and lack of basic services had a devastating effect on the safety and stamina of our fire crews,” the delegation wrote. “We urge you and your administration to swiftly provide the federal resources for our communities to recover and rebuild.” 

    The entire letter is here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: GE Vernova Provides GridOS® Orchestration Software to Help West African Power Pool (WAPP) Facilitate Energy Exchange Among Its Member States

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    GE Vernova Provides GridOS® Orchestration Software to Help West African Power Pool (WAPP) Facilitate Energy Exchange Among Its Member States The ICC technology platform has also been upgraded with GE Vernova’s GridOS forecasting solution to enhance the value of Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) on the electricity market with advanced forecasting and ramping tools LAGOS, Nigeria, October 24, 2024/APO Group/ — GE Vernova Inc. (www.GEVernova.com) (NYSE: GEV) today announced that its GridOS® orchestration software is deployed in the newly completed Information and Coordination Centre (ICC) in Abomey-Calavi, Benin for the West African Power Pool (WAPP), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming the region’s energy landscape. The recently inaugurated ICC will serve as the centralized command centre for the mainland member countries of the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS), overseeing the interconnected power grids of 14 nations, namely Benin, Burkina-Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. This milestone marks a significant step towards establishing a unified power market across the region, paving the way for a more reliable, sustainable, and affordable energy infrastructure for West Africa.  According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) Africa Energy Outlook 2022 report1, Africa’s GDP is expected to grow by an average of 4.6% per year between 2022 and 2040. This economic growth is expected to drive up energy demand by 2.8% per year, with electricity consumption expected to double by 2040. By expanding power capacity, enhancing forecasting capabilities, and ensuring a seamless balance between generation and demand across borders, the West Africa Power Pool powered by the ICC is bridging the gap between energy needs and reliable supply.  The ICC is a state-of-the art facility equipped with the latest electric grid management technologies. Elements of GE Vernova’s GridOS software portfolio are deployed in the facility to enable more secure, reliable grid orchestration. The software is designed to help utilities achieve the resiliency and flexibility needed for a more sustainable energy grid. The ICC is using several of the portfolio’s intelligent grid applications, including: 

    • Energy Management System (EMS) engineered for dispatching 
    • Wide Area Monitoring System (WAMS) designed for grid stability 
    • Advanced Market Management System designed to support the trading of power among ECOWAS countries 

    The ICC technology platform has also been upgraded with GE Vernova’s GridOS forecasting solution to enhance the value of Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) on the electricity market with advanced forecasting and ramping tools. Through this integration, engineers will have near real-time access to data on energy flow across the WAPP interconnected network, enabling them to monitor, analyze, and optimize the distribution of power.  “We are honored to partner with WAPP in their mission to promote and develop power generation and transmission infrastructures, as well as to coordinate power exchange among the ECOWAS member states. Our GridOS portfolio provides the ICC with modern software capabilities to automate grid operations and help increase the energy transaction rate across the region, helping overcome energy challenges in the ECOWAS zone,” said Mahesh Sudhakaran, General Manager for GE Vernova’s Grid Software business.  GE Vernova has long worked with national electric utilities and regional power pools from the region, helping them adopt best-in-class technologies for grid modernization. In November 2022, the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) inaugurated a new Coordination Control Center equipped with the latest Energy Management System (EMS) from GE Vernova’s Grid Software business. With more projects underway, GE Vernova is proud to be contributing to the energy transition in Africa.  Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GE. Media Inquiries:  Winnie Gathage  GE Vernova | Africa Communications Leader  winnie.gathage@ge.com   Rachael Van Reen  GE Vernova | External Communications  +1 (678) 896-6754 rachael.vanreen@ge.com About GE Vernova: GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE: GEV) is a purpose-built global energy company that includes Power, Wind, and Electrification segments and is supported by its accelerator businesses. Building on over 130 years of experience tackling the world’s challenges, GE Vernova is uniquely positioned to help lead the energy transition by continuing to electrify the world while simultaneously working to decarbonize it. GE Vernova helps customers power economies and deliver electricity that is vital to health, safety, security, and improved quality of life. GE Vernova is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S., with more than 75,000 employees across 100+ countries around the world. Supported by the Company’s purpose, The Energy to Change the World, GE Vernova technology helps deliver a more affordable, reliable, sustainable, and secure energy future. Learn more: GE Vernova (https://apo-opa.co/48mJgut) and LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.co/3Uj1pDO). GE Vernova’s Electrification Software business is focused on delivering the intelligent applications and insights needed to accelerate electrification and decarbonization across the entire energy ecosystem – from how it’s created, how it’s orchestrated, to how it’s consumed. Its Grid Software business and GridOS® portfolio is trusted by global utilities to orchestrate a more sustainable energy grid and help deliver reliable and affordable electricity to their customers.  Forward-Looking Statements: This document contains forward-looking statements (https://apo-opa.co/4hfGwmV) – that is, statements related to future events that by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. These forward-looking statements often address GE Vernova’s expected future business and financial performance and financial condition, and the expected performance of its products, the impact of its services and the results they may generate or produce, often contain words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “seek,” “see,” “will,” “would,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “target,” “preliminary,” or “range.” Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain, such as statements about planned and potential transactions, investments or projects and their expected results and the impacts of macroeconomic and market conditions and volatility on the Company’s business operations, financial results and financial position and on the global supply chain and world economy. 

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    MIL OSI Africa –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Mullin joins Risch, 26 Colleagues in Introducing Stand with Israel Act to Combat Israel’s Persecution at UN

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator MarkWayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma)

    Mullin joins Risch, 26 Colleagues in Introducing Stand with Israel Act to Combat Israel’s Persecution at UN

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) joined Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Jim Risch (R-ID) and 26 of their GOP Senate colleagues in announcing their intent to introduce the Stand with Israel Act when the Senate and House reconvene in November. This legislation would cut off U.S. funding to United Nations (UN) agencies that expel, downgrade, suspend, or otherwise restrict the participation of the State of Israel. This is companion legislation to bipartisan House bill HR 9394 led by Representative Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.).

    “The United States must end funding to the UN if they cave to the Palestinian Authority and downgrade or restrict the State of Israel’s participation in any way,” said Senator Mullin. “Senate Republicans will not allow American taxpayer dollars to fund organizations that undermine the authority and autonomy of the only democracy in the Middle East. I’m glad to support this common sense legislation.”

    “Any attempt to alter Israel’s status at the UN is clearly anti-Semitic,” said Ranking Member Risch. “That said, if the UN member states allow the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization to downgrade Israel’s status at the UN, the U.S. must stop supporting the UN system, as it would clearly be beyond repair. I am disgusted that this outrageous idea has even been discussed, and will do all we can to ensure any changes to Israel’s status will come with consequences.”

    Sens. Mullin and Risch are joined on this legislation by Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Steve Daines (R-MT), Mike Lee (R-UT), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), John Barrasso (R-WY), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Rick Scott (R-FL), John Kennedy (R-LA), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Ted Budd (R-NC), Susan Collins (R-ME), Tim Scott (R-SC), Josh Hawley (R-MO), James Lankford (R-OK), John Thune (R-SD), and Deb Fischer (R-NE).

    BACKGROUND:

    • Reports indicate that the Palestinian Authority (PA) will attempt to downgrade Israel’s status at the UN.
    • The PA is able to do this after the UN General Assembly passed a biased resolution which enhanced the PA’s status at the United Nations on May 10, 2024.
    • Following that vote, Ranking Member Risch led 24 Senate colleagues in introducing the No Official Palestine Entry (NOPE) Act, legislation to update existing funding prohibitions in law that would cause the United States to cut off assistance to entities that give additional rights and privileges to the Palestinian Authority.
    • The Stand with Israel Act would cut off U.S. funding to UN agencies that expel, downgrade, suspend, or otherwise restrict the participation of the State of Israel. The bill is modeled after the current prohibition of funding to any UN entities that elevate the status of the Palestinian Authority to a member state.

    Text of the Stand with Israel Act can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Study – Maximising the Impact of EU Initiatives on Skills – 24-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament 2

    This study provides details of the current situation and future trends in the EU concerning aspects related to skills demands, skills shortages, and skills mismatches. It takes into consideration the transformative role of the digital and green transitions and the labour market shifts determined by demographic changes. The analysis comprises a presentation of the various EU skills initiatives, assessing their impact, complementarity and gaps. And formulates a set of recommendations to address gaps identified in the EU skills policy. This document was provided by Fondazione Giacomo Brodolini to the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies at the request of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL).

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Biomass

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Biomass is the first satellite that will study the world’s forests in 3-dimensions.

    Biomass. Credit: Airbus

    The Biomass mission will provide crucial information about the state of our forests and how they are changing. The data will be used to further our knowledge of the role forests play in the carbon cycle.

    Biomass will quantify the global carbon cycle which is essential to understanding many of the dramatic changes taking place in the Earth system, particularly those resulting from the burning of fossil fuel and land-use change.

    As a result, Biomass observations will support the initiative for the reduction of emissions due to deforestation and forest degradation.

    Biomass will have global coverage and produce one map every 6 months with unprecedented accuracy. It will reduce the current uncertainties in the amount of carbon stored in forests and how this changes with time, providing vital information to support decision making around climate change. Observations from this new mission will also lead to better insight into rates of habitat loss and the impact this may be having on biodiversity in the forest environment.

    Biomass is also a part of the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Earth Explorer missions which focuses on the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere and the Earth’s interior with the overall aim of learning more about the interactions between these components and the impact that human activity is having on natural Earth processes.

    Biomass is due to launch in 2025 on a Vega-C rocket from Kourou in French Guiana. The mission is planned to be 5-years long.

    How is the UK involved?

    Biomass is being built in the UK by Airbus.

    The UK has invested in the ESA Earth Observation Envelope Programme – EOEP-3, EOEP-4, and EOEP-5 programmes.

    The lead scientist is Professor Sean Quegan based in the University of Sheffield, Airbus are leading the build, and other significant stakeholders in the mission are ESA, Nammo (propulsion), Astrotech (propulsion), and Enersys ABSL (batteries).

    Updates to this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Union of Knowledge. The visit of the Polytechnic delegation to Armenia became a new stage of cooperation

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    On October 24, a delegation from SPbPU headed by the rector of the university, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Rudskoy visited the Republic of Armenia. The key moments were meetings at the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia and the Russian-Armenian University.

    The delegation of the Polytechnic University visited the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia (NAS RA). The history of scientific and educational cooperation between Armenia and St. Petersburg goes back several centuries.

    Today we see the successful development of cooperation between scientific organizations and scientists of the Republic of Armenia and the Russian Federation. Your visit is another step in strengthening joint work. We already have experience of working together in various fields of science, and today we will consolidate our partnership with an agreement that will supplement the previously signed document on scientific and technical cooperation, – President of the NAS RA Ashot Sagyan greeted his colleagues.

    Continuing the traditions of such interaction, SPbB RAS and NAS RA, as well as SPbPU and NAS RA signed an agreement on scientific and technical cooperation. It covers a wide range of areas, including natural, mathematical and technical sciences, as well as life sciences.

    The St. Petersburg Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences is actively developing international cooperation, which is one of the key areas of our activities. This year, the agreements of the SPbB RAS and SPbPU with the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia will be an important step towards strengthening scientific ties with Armenia, with which we are united by a long history of cooperation and common scientific interests, Andrey Rudskoy emphasized.

    Particular attention will be paid to agrobiotechnology and agricultural sciences, astrophysics, physical and chemical research. Joint projects in social, humanitarian and applied sciences are also planned, which will contribute to strengthening scientific ties and technological development between the countries.

    The agreements signed today are intended to make a significant contribution to expanding the interaction between the academic and university communities and will allow our scientists to jointly solve complex problems and adapt the accumulated potential to new realities, noted Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Armenia Sergey Kopyrkin.

    During the visit, representatives of SPbPU visited the Russian-Armenian University (RAU), with which the university has had long-standing friendly and partnership relations.

    Since signing a strategic partnership agreement in 2014, RAU and SPbPU have been actively developing joint initiatives in the fields of education, science and youth programs. Over these ten years, the universities have organized numerous joint research projects, conferences and educational projects that facilitated the exchange of experience and knowledge between students and teachers.

    It should be emphasized that the activities envisaged by the comprehensive “Roadmap” of cooperation between SPbPU and RAU cover a wide range of activities and many areas of interest to both educational institutions. Within the framework of this strategic partnership, projects are being implemented in such key areas as physics, telecommunications, biomedicine, bioinformatics, economics, PR and linguistics. Particular attention is paid to the introduction of advanced methods and educational practices into the RAU curriculum.

    For these reasons, the Polytechnic delegation in Yerevan was quite impressive: SPbPU Rector Andrey Rudskoy, Vice-Rector for International Affairs Dmitry Arsenyev, Professor of the Institute of Biomedical Systems and Biotechnology Olga Vlasova, Head of the Project Office “Slavic Universities” and Deputy Head of the International Cooperation Department Nikita Golovin, Director of the Center for Continuing Professional Education PISh CI and Program Director of “Boiling Point – Polytechnic” Sergey Salkutsan, as well as a number of other leading SPbPU experts.

    The program of the visit began with a tour of the campus of the Russian-Armenian University. The rector of SPbPU got acquainted with the scientific and educational laboratories of the Institute of Biomedicine and Pharmacy, the Engineering Physics Institute, the Cast laboratory of the Institute of Mathematics and Informatics, as well as modern socially-oriented spaces.

    RAU is a shining example of how science and education can be effectively combined, creating conditions for training highly qualified specialists who are in demand on the labor market, shared Andrey Rudskoy.

    Andrey Rudskoy paid special attention to the project to create a “green campus”, which includes the generation of electricity using solar panels placed on the university’s territory.

    This is not just a step towards environmental sustainability, but also an opportunity for RAU to become energy independent and even share excess energy with external consumers, Andrey Ivanovich emphasized.

    One of the most striking joint events, the results of which can already be observed, is the methodological support for the creation of the youth space “Boiling Point” at RAU. The two universities actively developed the concept of this space, formulating tasks for the RAU development team. The logical conclusion of the year’s work was the grand opening of the Representative Office of “Boiling Point – Polytech” at RAU on October 24.

    The opening of the youth space “Boiling Point” at RAU is not just the end of our joint work, but the beginning of a new era for students, where their ideas and aspirations will find support and development. We are proud to see how our efforts are becoming a reality, and we are confident that this space will become a source of inspiration for future leaders, – Andrey Rudskoy spoke at the opening ceremony.

    After the excursion, a meeting was held with the management of RAU and the heads of RAU research groups implementing joint projects with SPbPU. The participants presented the results of current initiatives: four network educational programs were developed and implemented, participation in dissertation councils was organized, and more than forty joint scientific papers were published.

    We are watching the progress of your university and can say that, despite all the difficulties, RAU continues to move forward. Each new project, each event is a step towards the campus becoming not only a cozy home for students, but also a place where ideas are born that can change the world. We must join forces to develop this university together, which already today meets world standards, – noted Andrey Rudskoy.

    Scientific conferences on current topics are held annually, and professors from both universities participate in the mutual program “Invited Professor”. Colleagues also discussed tasks for the near future.

    Cooperation between our universities is not just an exchange of experience, it is an opportunity to create something new and significant for our society, Andrey Ivanovich is confident.

    At the meeting, SPbPU Rector Andrey Rudskoy and RAU Rector Edward Sandoyan signed an updated agreement on strategic partnership between SPbPU and RAU, as well as a Roadmap for the implementation of joint events between SPbPU and RAU aimed at supporting youth initiatives and developing student communities.

    Over the past two years, there has been a significant influx of students. Despite the difficulties, we continue to develop. In order to move forward, we need to adapt to new conditions and change our expectations, said Edward Sandoyan.

    We were pleased to renew the strategic partnership agreement that was signed on September 11, 2014. We cannot lose historical memory. The second document signed is a roadmap for the implementation of joint events to support youth initiatives. We have created a cozy corner for our youth, and despite the modest conditions, it has become a beautiful and warm place. In the future, we have the opportunity to expand and hold events, – Andrey Rudskoy summed up.

    In anticipation of the visit of the SPbPU delegation headed by Andrey Rudskoy, leading professors and experts of St. Petersburg held a number of events aimed at developing student communities at RAU. Deputy Director of the Center for Continuing Professional Education “Digital Engineering” of the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU Pavel Kozlovsky, Deputy Head of the Youth Policy Department of SPbPU Georgy Kvekveskiri, Director of the Center for Continuing Professional Education of the PISh CI and Program Director of “Boiling Point – Polytech” Sergey Salkutsan held an accelerator, which was attended by more than 20 representatives of the RAU Student Council and such RAU associations as a large experimental workshop, an intellectual club, and a sports community.

    The accelerator participants considered the issues of creating and developing student communities, their positioning, forming a working internal structure, attracting and adapting new participants, as well as the topic of continuity of the community’s asset. Georgy Kvekveskiri made a report on the activities of the Youth Policy Department (YPD) of SPbPU, which managed to build an adaptive model of working with student communities at the university.

    The last day of the accelerator was dedicated to forming the image of communities for three years and creating a work program until the end of 2025 (the “Roadmap”, which was signed by the rectors of the two universities). The community accelerator was the first event within the framework of the activities of the new youth space – the Representative Office of “Boiling Point – Polytech” at RAU.

    The head of the training simulators department of the Center for Continuing Professional Education of the Advanced Engineering School “Digital Engineering” Vladislav Tereshchenko held training events and competitions for RAU students on the “Lean Manufacturing” simulator, which is part of CML-Bench platforms.I’m on my way. The event was attended by 1st and 3rd year students majoring in Economics. Three winners received the right to speak at the Winter University in Engineering Sciences at SPbPU in November of this year.

    The guys really liked the game. We plan to implement it in the educational process in several disciplines. It seems to me that the game allows us to objectively assess the degree of economic thinking in the guys, to check all the skills and competencies of students majoring in economics. I also really liked this simulator. I would gladly play it myself, – shared Mariam Voskanyan, Head of the Department of Economics and Finance of the Institute of Economics and Business of the Russian Agrarian University.

    Leading specialists from SPbPU organized lectures and seminars at RAU on physics, telecommunication technologies and biomedical systems. Director of the Higher School of Biomedical Systems and Technologies Olga Vlasova held a seminar on “Optogenetic (chemogenetic) modulation of metabotropic receptors of astrocytes restores cognitive functions in mice with a model of Alzheimer’s disease”. Head of the Laboratory of Microencapsulation and Controlled Delivery of Biologically Active Compounds Alexander Timin presented a seminar on the development of antitumor drugs in encapsulated and free form based on small molecules for the treatment of malignant neoplasms. Professor of the Higher School of Applied Physics and Space Technologies Sergey Makarov told Armenian students about spectrally effective signals.

    The joint work of SPbPU and RAU continues to bring tangible results, strengthening educational and scientific ties between the two universities and making a significant contribution to the development of higher education in Russia and Armenia.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin: Since the beginning of the year, 46 objects have been completed in 19 regions under the IBC program

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    In 2024, construction and modernization of 46 facilities was completed in Russia thanks to the implementation of infrastructure budget loans (IBL) programs, which are part of the Government’s socio-economic initiative “Infrastructure Menu”. This was reported by Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.

    “The tool of infrastructure budget loans is designed to improve the quality of life in the regions of our country. With the involvement of IBC funds, which were distributed between 83 regions, we are conducting large-scale comprehensive work on the construction and modernization of facilities necessary for citizens. In total, since the beginning of the year, 46 engineering, road, tourist, social infrastructure facilities and infrastructure of special economic zones have already been completed in 19 regions of the country. Thanks to them, residents will receive higher-quality utilities, modern social facilities, renovated roads, which serves as an additional incentive for housing construction, an increase in the number of jobs, an improvement in the quality of life of citizens and the popularization of tourist routes,” said Marat Khusnullin.

    As reported by the First Deputy Minister of Construction and Housing and Public Utilities Alexander Lomakin, IBCs have established themselves as one of the most popular instruments of state support for the construction of infrastructure facilities in the regions.

    “In the third quarter alone, 13 infrastructure facilities, including educational facilities, were built and commissioned in 7 regions using IBC funds. Soon, more than 4,000 children will be able to receive education in new modern schools and kindergartens equipped with everything necessary,” noted Alexander Lomakin.

    Thus, among the Russian regions where new infrastructure was built thanks to IBC are Vladimir, Voronezh, Moscow, Rostov, Penza, Novosibirsk regions, and the Chuvash Republic.

    “The IBC tool facilitates the implementation of significant projects that have a positive impact on the appearance of populated areas. Today, about 540 objects are being worked on in Russian regions with the involvement of IBC funds. We see that the mechanism is in high demand for updating infrastructure in all areas,” said Ilshat Shagiakhmetov, CEO of the Territorial Development Fund.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Alberta rolls out golf carts on municipal roads

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Alberta municipalities have unique transportation needs shaped by their geography and community preferences. Granting municipalities the flexibility to adopt various transportation modes helps reduce congestion and improves the quality of life for residents.

    Accordingly, Alberta’s government is working with the Town of Coaldale to pilot the limited use of golf carts in their community, enhancing the mobility of Albertans and increasing recreational options. Other interested communities throughout the province are invited to submit bylaw proposals to Transportation and Economic Corridors for similar pilot projects.

    “Transportation does not stand still, and Alberta must be ready with forward-thinking ideas on how to test new transportation-related solutions or activities. Off-highway vehicles (OHVs) and e-bikes have been popular with Albertans for years, and pilot projects like this one hold the key to unlocking new modes of transportation for everyone.”

    Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors

    “This is a commonsense approach to dealing with the use of golf carts in our communities. Many jurisdictions have been allowing golf carts to travel on roads without any concerns.”

    Grant Hunter, MLA for Taber-Warner

    Coaldale is one of the first towns to pilot the limited use of golf carts, after the Legislature passed legislation that makes innovative projects like this possible, and the town’s pilot will last five years.

    Pilot projects like this allow new and innovative uses of existing or new modes of transportation and expands on municipalities already having the ability to allow registered off-highway vehicles to operate on their roads.

    “We think it’s great that Alberta Municipalities’ advocacy on golf carts has paid off. Many communities have been asking for this for a few years and I’m happy that Coaldale is able to pilot this initiative for the province.”

    Tina Jones, director of towns, Alberta Municipalities

    These pilot projects will provide real-life evidence that will help the province evaluate and understand any safety implications and inform future policy decisions on the use of alternative modes of transportation on municipal roads.

    “The creation of this pilot project comes as welcome news to the Town of Coaldale. Thanks to Alberta’s government our Council will be able to pass a golf cart bylaw that gives residents living near our local golf course the ability to drive their carts to and from the course. It’s a win for everyone involved – Coaldale residents, municipal enforcement officers, our local golf course, Coaldale Town Council and the Government of Alberta.”

    Jack Van Rijn, Mayor of Coaldale

    Six other communities, including the County of Lacombe, the Village of Linden, the Summer Village of Whispering Hills, the Town of Delburne, the Village of Acme and Half Moon Bay have applied for and been approved to use golf carts in their communities.

    Quick facts

    • Alberta recently expanded the use of off-highway-vehicles (OHVs) on Highway 734 from approximately one kilometre south of the Red Deer River north to the intersection of Highway 734 with Highway 11 near Nordegg (approximately 180 kilometres).
    • As of March 31, 2023, there were 104,025 registered OHVs in Alberta.
    • Three Canadian jurisdictions already have provisions within their legislation that address golf cart use on select municipal roads (British Columbia, Ontario, and Saskatchewan).

    Related information

    • Golf carts on public roads | Alberta.ca
    • Motorized recreation on public land | Alberta.ca
    • Off-highway vehicle safety | Alberta.ca
    • Off-highway vehicle helmet law | Alberta.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement from Environment and Climate Change Minister Tracy Schmidt on International Day of Climate Action

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    October 24, 2024

    Statement from Environment and Climate Change Minister Tracy Schmidt on International Day of Climate Action

    Today, as Manitoba marks International Day of Climate Action, our government is reaffirming our commitment to taking meaningful climate action to protect Manitoba’s lands and waters and work towards net zero targets.

    Started by young people concerned about the impact of climate change, the International Day of Climate Action has grown into a worldwide movement that our government stands proudly behind. I would like to say thank you to all those who continue to raise awareness and push this important issue to the forefront around the world and right here in Manitoba.

    In our first year in government, we’ve made protecting our beautiful province from climate change a priority and we have been working hard to make real change for Manitobans. Some of the notable steps we’ve taken include:

    • Introduced the Manitoba Electric Vehicle Rebate Program, which provides rebates of $4,000 on the purchase of a new eligible electric vehicle, $1,000 to $4,000 on leasing an eligible electric vehicle, and $2,500 on the purchase of pre-owned eligible electric vehicles, ensuring more Manitobans can make the switch away from fossil fuels.
    • Advanced, for the first time in Manitoba’s history, a plan to support Indigenous owned, utility-scale electricity resource supply through the creation of government-to-government partnerships in wind generation.
    • Invested in projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the Low Carbon Economy Fund, in partnership with the federal government.
    • Enacted the first-ever formal nutrient reduction target for Lake Winnipeg and its tributaries for improving water quality in Manitoba.
    • Signed a memorandum of understanding with the Seal River Watershed Alliance, Indigenous nations and Government of Canada to formally work together on a feasibility assessment to establish a potential Indigenous protected and conserved area in the 50,000 square kilometre Seal River Watershed.
    • Unveiled the Affordable Energy Plan, which charts the path towards Manitoba’s energy future through building out the grid to grow new clean energy, including wind generation to increase good green jobs, grid reliability, and keep energy rates low for years to come.
    • Restored almost $400,000 in funding to Climate Change Connection, Green Action Centre, and Manitoba Eco-Network to help take tangible action on climate change.
    • Invested in projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the Low Carbon Economy Fund, in partnership with the federal government.
    • Enacted the first-ever formal nutrient reduction target for Lake Winnipeg and its tributaries for improving water quality in Manitoba.
    • Appointed a new board of directors for Efficiency Manitoba and issued a new mandate letter to the Crown corporation, focusing on reducing our fossil fuel emissions.
    • Supported the City of Winnipeg with $10 million for wastewater infrastructure.

    There still remains a lot of work to do, and we are up for the challenge. As the minister of environment and climate change, I look forward to working closely with all Manitobans as we create a greener and cleaner Manitoba.

    – 30 –

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: IAM Pro-Worker GOTV Efforts Span Coast to Coast

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    Get IAM MOBILE

    IAM Mobile Spaces offers more features and functions to read and share information about our union and the important issues we face as working families. This app combines all of the IAM’s popular online functions such as the IAM Journal, the Machinists News Network on demand video service, the IAM webpage GOiam.org, iMail, an IAM Photo Gallery, the IAM Facebook Page, and lots more — all in one easy-to-access App for tablets and smartphones.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: IAM, Boston Commuter Rail Coalition Rally for Fair Contract at MBTA’s Keolis

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    On Wednesday, Oct. 23, nearly 200 various commuter rail union members, led by the IAM, gathered at the South Station in Boston to let Keolis management know it’s time to give Keolis rail workers the contract they deserve. Out of the 14 unions that represent commuter rail workers, 13 do not have agreements yet. The rally had numerous Labor leaders and state and local politicians spoke to the loud group of unionists about Keolis disrespect.

    Watch the video report here.

    “We’re tired of being left behind and not getting the wages that we deserve,” said Daniel Tavares, IAM District 19 General Chair, which represents machinists, electricians, and other transportation workers.

    IAM Local 318 members, along with TCU/IAM members, protested with the other unions handing out leaflets to the public as they came thru the building entrance.

    Tavares said the union is “not there yet,” and no further demonstrations had been planned. But the workers are willing to do “whatever it takes” to achieve a fair contract, including raises.

    Share and Follow:

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Deer Lake — Deer Lake RCMP investigates theft of two Sea-Doos and boat trailer

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Deer Lake RCMP is investigating the theft of two Sea-Doos and a boat trailer that were stolen from a residential property in Deer Lake on the morning of October 23, 2024.

    The theft is believed to have occurred around 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday morning. The Sea-Doos, which were loaded onto a boat trailer, were stolen while parked on a residential property on Garden Road. A white SUV was observed that morning in Deer Lake with the trailer and Sea-Doos in tow.

    The trailer is a double galvanized Sea-Doo trailer. The Sea-Doos are both 2011 Sea-Doo GTX Limited models. See the attached image.

    The investigation is continuing.

    Anyone having information about this crime, including information on the white SUV, those responsible for the theft, or the current location of the stolen property is asked to contact Deer Lake RCMP at 709-635-2173. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers: #SayItHere 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Orleans Man Sentenced For Drug and Firearm Crimes

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – HARRY BANKS (“BANKS”), age 23, of New Orleans, was sentenced on October 22, 2024 by U.S. District Judge Darrel James Papillion to 97 months incarceration, five (5) years of supervised release and, payment of a mandatory $300 special assessment fee after previously pleading guilty to conspiring to distribute Fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(b)(1)(C) and Title 21, United States Code, Section 846; conspiring to possess firearms in furtherance of  drug trafficking activity, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(o); and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i).

    According to court records, on December 6, 2022, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Agents saw Jerome Shaquille Wilson driving a white Dodge Challenger in the 1900 block of Frenchmen Street in New Orleans, with a passenger, Gerroy Toca.  Agents subsequently saw Toca, Wilson, and BANKS engaged in apparent illegal narcotics transactions, while in possession of firearms.  Agents later saw BANKS enter the white Dodge Challenger and exit with a pistol that he concealed in his waistband.  Thereafter, New Orleans Police Officers   detained Toca and BANKS.  BANKS was found with 6.7 grams of fentanyl and a Smith & Wesson Model M&P 40 2.0M, .40 caliber pistol, concealed in his waistband. 

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun track violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the New Orleans Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Maurice Landrieu of the Narcotics Unit and Mike Trummel of the Violent Crimes Unit. 

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Chilton County Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm He Used in a Shooting

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

                Montgomery, Ala. – Today, Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced the sentencing of a Chilton County, Alabama man for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. On October 23, 2024, a federal judge ordered that 57-year-old Alvin Lee McCary, serve 300 months in prison. A jury found McCary guilty of illegally possessing a firearm following a trial in March of this year. Federal inmates are not eligible for parole.

                According to court records and evidence presented during McCary’s trial, on July 22, 2020, McCary had an argument with another individual at a residence in Clanton, Alabama. The argument escalated and McCary retrieved a shotgun. Witness reported that McCary shot the victim and then fled. When searching McCary’s residence, investigators eventually discovered a shotgun and ammunition at the bottom of a well adjacent to the property. McCary has previous felony convictions and is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

                This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.

                The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Chilton County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorneys Mark E. Andreu and Ashley J. Avera prosecuted. 

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Grafton, Vermont Man Charged with Illegal Possession of a Firearm

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office stated that Terry Russ, 42, of Grafton, Vermont, has been charged by criminal complaint with possessing a firearm, knowing that he had previously been convicted of a felony.

    On October 23, 2024, Russ appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle, who ordered that Russ be detained during the pendency of this matter.

    According to court records, a search warrant was executed at Russ’s residence in Grafton on October 22, 2024. During execution of the search warrant, law enforcement recovered three firearms from the bedroom Russ had identified as his. An on-and-off housemate of Russ’s, who was also present, stated that he had purchased cocaine base and fentanyl/heroin from Russ in Russ’s bedroom and that Russ displayed a silver pistol next to the drugs he was selling. The housemate’s description of the silver pistol’s appearance was consistent with that of one of the firearms recovered from Russ’s bedroom.

    The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that the complaint contains allegations only and that Russ is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Russ faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

    United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the investigatory efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Vermont State Police, and the Springfield, Massachusetts Police Department.

    The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Corinne Smith. Russ is represented by Robert Behrens, Esq.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Video: Open Session on Human Rights Abuses and Violations in North Korea

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    As part of the United States-Republic of Korea-Japan Trilateral Meeting on DPRK Human Rights, the Department of State hosted an Open Session with DPRK Human Rights Survivors on October 18 in Washington D.C. The open session featured opening remarks by Deputy Secretary Campbell, ROK Unification Minister Kim, and Japanese Ambassador Yamada. North Korean escapees and expert panelists gave statements on the egregious human rights violations occurring in the DPRK, supporting truth-telling and memorialization efforts, followed by country statements by the United States, the Republic of Korea, Japan, Germany, and Sweden.

    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/StateDept
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/statedept
    Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/statephotos/

    Subscribe to the State Department Blog: https://www.state.gov/blogs
    Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
    Subscribe to The Week at State e-newsletter: http://ow.ly/diiN30ro7Cw

    State Department website: https://www.state.gov/
    Careers website: https://careers.state.gov/
    White House website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/
    Terms of Use: https://state.gov/tou

    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1spgnbVKOw

    MIL OSI Video –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Website investment-pte.com: BaFin warns about Investment PTE LTD and Performance Investment PTE LTD

    Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

    The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) warns consumers about Investment PTE LTD and Performance Investment PTE LTD and the services they are offering. BaFin suspects these operators of the website investment-pte.com of offering consumers financial and investment services without the required authorisation.

    The operators of the website appeal under the name Investment PTE LTD and Performance Investment PTE LTD. They claim to have their registered office in Singapore and to be regulated in St Vincent and the Grenadines. However, there is no supervision of the operator in this country.

    Anyone conducting banking business or providing financial or investment services in Germany may do so only with authorisation from BaFin. However, some companies offer these services without the necessary authorisation. Information on whether particular companies have been authorised by BaFin can be found in BaFin’s database of companies.

    Theinformation provided by BaFin is based on section 37 (4) of the German Banking Act (Kreditwesengesetz – KWG).

    Please be aware:

    BaFin, the German Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt – BKA) and the German state criminal police offices (Landeskriminalämter) recommend that consumers seeking to invest money online should exercise the utmost caution and do the necessary research beforehand in order to identify fraud attempts at an early stage.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Banking: capital-imc.net: BaFin investigates the company IMC-Capital Ltd

    Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

    The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) warns consumers about the company IMC-Capital Ltd and the services it is offering. BaFin has information that the company is offering banking business and/or financial services on its website capital-imc.net without the required authorisation. The company is not supervised by BaFin.

    Financial services may only be offered in Germany if the company providing these services has the necessary authorisation from BaFin to do this. However, some companies offer these services without the required authorisation. Information on whether a particular company has been granted authorisation by BaFin can be found in BaFin’s database of companies.

    Theinformation provided by BaFin is based on section 37 (4) of the German Banking Act (Kreditwesengesetz – KWG).

    Please be aware:

    BaFin, the German Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt – BKA) and the German state criminal police offices (Landeskriminalämter) recommend that consumers seeking to invest money online should exercise the utmost caution and do the necessary research beforehand in order to identify fraud attempts at an early stage.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Fannie Mae Announces Scheduled Release of Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results

    Source: Fannie Mae

    WASHINGTON, DC – Fannie Mae (FNMA/OTCQB) today announced plans to report its third quarter 2024 financial results on Thursday morning, October 31, 2024, before the opening of U.S. financial markets.

    Fannie Mae has scheduled a conference call to discuss the company’s results at 8:00 a.m., ET, on October 31, 2024.

    Prior to the call, the company’s third quarter 2024 earnings news release, quarterly report on Form 10-Q, and other supplemental information will be available on the company’s Quarterly and Annual Results webpage at fanniemae.com/financialresults. Following the call, a transcript will be published to the same webpage and will remain available until our next quarterly earnings announcement.

    CONFERENCE CALL PARTICIPATION DETAILS – Fannie Mae Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results

    Event day and time
    Thursday, October 31, 2024
    8:00 AM (ET)

    Listen-only webcast:
    https://event.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1691512&tp_key=ce5c202816
    Click on the link above to attend the presentation from your laptop, tablet, or mobile device. Audio will stream through your selected device. If you have difficulty accessing the webcast, please click the “Listen by Phone” button on the webcast player and dial the number provided.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Salford City Council named in top ten of authorities nationally for outstanding outcomes

    Source: City of Salford

    Salford City Council has been named as the eighth-best council in the country in the latest IMPOWER Index, an independent measure of how efficiently councils deliver core services in relation to their budgets.
     
    The index measures the productivity of councils across eight areas: housing, homelessness, waste and recycling, high needs, children’s services, working age adults, older adults, and their relationship with health services. These areas cover around 70 per cent of all local government spending. The top ten list recognises those authorities who have outperformed their closest statistical neighbours by the biggest margin, across the most areas.
     
    Salford City Council has been recognised for its work including having one of the best rated children’s services in the North West and commitments to improve housing standards and tackle homelessness.
     
    Councillor Jack Youd, Salford City Council Deputy City Mayor and Lead Member for Finance, Support Services and Regeneration, said: “We’re really pleased to be recognised in the top ten authorities in the country as it demonstrates our commitment to providing high quality services while ensuring value for money. It shows we’re one of the most efficient councils in the country.
     
    “But we know that providing the best services to our residents, businesses and communities is not about rankings and league tables, it is in being able to respond to and work on behalf of the needs of our city.
     
    “We are always striving to be as productive and efficient in the way we deliver services as we can be. What the IMPOWER Index does do, is give us some further insight and data that can contribute to the future planning of how we deliver services. It also gives confidence to residents that we’re among the best councils in the country for delivering high-quality, cost-effective services.
     
    “We have clear commitments, spelt out in our corporate plan, that we’ll be delivering over the next four years to help ensure that Salford is a fairer, greener, healthier and more inclusive city.”
     
    Get more information on the IMPOWER Index.

    Share this

    Date published
    Thursday 24 October 2024

    Press and media enquiries

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Statement on gender pay gap reporting24 October 2024 The Government is committed to tackling the gender pay gap in Jersey by focusing on practical solutions. Government is already actively engaging with the Diversity Network to develop a voluntary reporting… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    24 October 2024

    The Government is committed to tackling the gender pay gap in Jersey by focusing on practical solutions. 

    Government is already actively engaging with the Diversity Network to develop a voluntary reporting framework tailored to Jersey’s unique context. This collaborative effort aims to create a standard reporting template that businesses can adopt and input into, fostering transparency and accountability without imposing undue bureaucratic burden.

    We are prioritising practical action that directly addresses the root causes of gender inequality. Initiatives such as extending nursery and childcare provision, implementing a living wage, and enhancing affordable housing are designed to empower women in the workforce and promote equitable opportunities for all Islanders. 

    Deputy Carina Alves, Assistant Chief Minister, stated: “Deputy Andrew’s proposition was rejected today on the basis that further consultation on reporting does not effectively address the underlying issues. Ministers want to avoid the pitfalls of mandatory reporting, focusing instead on working with businesses to encourage voluntary reporting and improving DEI policy within their own organisation, whilst ensuring that we tackle with practical measures the gender pay gap head-on.”​​

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 25, 2025
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