NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard returns 58 migrants to Dominican Republic following at-sea interdiction near Puerto Rico

    Source: United States Coast Guard

     

    10/07/2024 03:35 PM EDT

    The crew of Coast Guard Cutters Joseph Doyle and Joseph Napier returned 58 migrants to the Dominican Republic between Saturday and Monday, following the interdictions of an irregular, unlawful maritime migration voyage in Mona Passage waters near Puerto Rico. The cutter Joseph Doyle crew returned 56 migrants to a Dominican Republic Navy vessel, Saturday, while the cutter Joseph Napier crew repatriated two remaining migrants from the group to a Dominican Republic Navy vessel, Monday, just off Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. “Human smuggling in the Mona Passage is a dangerous and inadvisable venture,” said Lt. Cmdr. David S. Radin, Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Doyle commanding officer.  “Smugglers will be identified and prosecuted and trafficked migrants will be repatriated to their country or returned to the country from which the voyage originated.  To those considering undertaking one of these voyages, don’t!  Instead, seek safe and lawful migration pathways.”

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Mobile Homes and Municipalities Find Heat Pumps To Fit Their Needs

    Source: US National Renewable Energy Laboratory

    Whether it is a sweltering summer or a frigid winter, digging just a few feet into the earth provides relief from the temperatures above. That is because, on average, the ground temperature is warmer than the air during the winter and cooler in the summer. This relatively constant subsurface temperature is one form of geothermal energy, and it offers a nationwide solution for home heating and cooling.

    Ancient civilizations—from Native Americans to Greeks and Romans—relied on geothermal energy for cooking, bathing, and heating. Today, one way that geothermal energy is harnessed is with ground-source heat pumps (GSHPs)—sometimes also called geothermal heat pumps—which use pipes buried in the ground to transfer heat to or from the ground to cool or warm buildings. GSHPs can reliably control indoor temperature and humidity throughout the year while using up to 80% less energy compared with conventional air conditioners or furnaces.

    Tranquility Estates, a mobile-home community in Raymond, New Hampshire, is one of the communities tapping into geothermal energy through the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Clean Energy to Communities (C2C) Expert Match program. C2C Expert Match offers free, short-term technical assistance to communities to address their near-term clean energy challenges and questions.

    Tranquility Estates residents applied to C2C Expert Match to get help identifying the right size of GSHP systems to meet the heating and cooling needs of the community. C2C Expert Match researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) used the resources of DOE’s Building Technologies Research and Integration Center to perform simulations and cost-benefit analyses to help the community understand the impacts of transitioning away from historically used energy sources.

    “They wanted to know whether a ground-source heat pump could maintain the room temperature they were used to with their existing system,” said Jamie Lian, ORNL’s technical lead for its C2C projects. “So we used ORNL’s Ground Source Heat Pump Screening Tool to simulate the performance of ground-source heat pump systems for 60 mobile homes to identify the right size of the heat pump and the ground heat exchangers needed for each home.”

    ORNL’s Ground Source Heat Pump Screening Tool is a publicly available techno-economic analysis tool for GSHP applications. It allows building owners; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system designers; and installers to estimate the benefits and costs of implementing a GSHP system in various buildings at all climate zones in the United States.

    Xiaobing Liu, an ORNL senior researcher who leads ORNL’s geothermal program, compared a GSHP’s performance to the mobile homes’ existing air conditioning units and gas furnaces. Liu simulated hourly electricity consumption for an entire year to compare both options.

    “Based on our simulation, we can predict the room temperature and see whether that temperature can be maintained during the year, especially in the winter,” Liu said. “Our simulation shows that the GSHP system can keep these homes at their desired temperature throughout much of the year, except for a few hours when the ambient is very cold, in which case the room temperature is slightly below the set point. The GSHP eliminates fossil fuel usages for space heating in these homes, and the annual electricity use increases by less than 10%.”

    Though electric use slightly increases, the move away from oil, propane, and natural gas-powered technologies—and instead relying on a solar farm to power the GSHP—would help the Tranquility Estates community reduce its energy bills in addition to reducing carbon emissions.

    “Raymond, New Hampshire, is one of a handful of communities we’ve supported through C2C Expert Match that are interested in exploring the potential role of geothermal energy in decarbonizing emissions in residential and commercial buildings,” said NREL’s Darylann Aragon, who leads the C2C Expert Match Program.

    Heat Pumps Can Utilize Air and Water Temperatures Too

    GSHPs are just one type of heat pump that communities are using to meet their unique needs now while simultaneously preparing for more renewable systems in the future.

    “In the broader energy transition away from fossil fuels, heat pumps represent a practical and scalable technology that can be adopted with existing infrastructure while supporting future energy systems,” said Jian Sun, an ORNL researcher whose heat pump expertise, along with ORNL researcher Yanfei Li’s, helped the city of Rockland, Maine, during its C2C Expert Match participation.

    After Rockland transitioned to 100% renewable municipal electricity in 2020, the city turned its focus to electrifying its public facilities. Before applying for Efficiency Maine’s Municipal Electrification Retrofit funding opportunity, the city wanted help identifying which facilities were best suited for a retrofit.

    The proposed air-source heat pump solution for the Flanagan Community Center in Rockland, Maine, has the potential to reduce energy consumption by 45% and save 42% in energy cost, compared to the current baseline boiler heating approach. Photo from Jenny Carter, City of Rockland

    “They wanted to know which technologies covered by the funding opportunity were best suited for the three facilities they were considering: the Rockland Fire Department, Flanagan Community Center, and a public services facility,” Sun said.

    With a limited amount of time to perform the energy analysis needed, ORNL advised Rockland to focus on its Flanagan Community Center, which involved analyzing air-source, water-source, and ground-source heat pumps and a variable refrigerant flow system.

    “We investigated what the cost would be to transition those heating devices to heat pumps,” Sun said. “There are many different types of heat pumps out there in the market, so they needed help understanding which is more suitable for their cold climate.”

    And climate suitability is only one of several factors that need to be considered when retrofitting a building with a heat pump, according to Lian.

    “It’s not just an operational cost that you need to consider,” Lian said. “When we translate the energy efficiency savings to the cost savings, it’s really case-dependent because in some locations the consumption rate might be lower or higher, so the savings could greatly vary. Then you have other costs, like installation cost, maintenance cost, design cost. So, there are many different costs that need to be considered during this process.”

    Aragon added that holistic and transparent information can help communities make informed decisions about what is best for them.

    “We continue to support many communities—more than 30 and counting—that have questions around both new building decisions and decarbonizing buildings through expert insights on energy efficiency measures and retrofits,” she said.

    The research team created a presentation to help city staff understand the results of the analysis: The proposed air-source heat pump solution has the potential to reduce energy consumption by 45% and save 42% in energy cost, compared to the current baseline boiler heating approach.

    The C2C Expert Match analysis helped the city identify additional building updates that would need to precede an electrification retrofit. A cost-benefit analysis led the city to determine that it was “not a good fit” for Efficiency Maine’s Municipal Electrification Retrofit program, according to Jenny Carter, a sustainability coordinator for Rockland.

    “With the help of Expert Match, we were able to understand the full value of an electrification retrofit—to the building and the broader community—and pursue next steps to develop cost estimates and identify required repairs before an electrification retrofit can take place,” said Carter, who noted that the Expert Match information continues to help the city pursue other building retrofit funding opportunities.

    Expert Match applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. Learn more about all of C2C’s program opportunities and apply on the C2C website.

    C2C connects community-based groups, local governments, utilities, and other organizations with national-laboratory experts to close the gaps between communities’ clean energy ambitions and real-world deployment. The technical assistance offered through C2C can offer meaningful insights around clean energy decision-making to help communities achieve resilient clean energy systems that embody local and regional priorities. For example, C2C analysis can provide insights on the financial and social costs and benefits of electric vehicles, geothermal systems, or capturing and storing solar energy. Such analysis provides community-specific information on the funding and support needed to bring clean energy projects to fruition.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DoD Announces Health Care Supplement Program Pilot for DOD Civilian Employees in Japan

    Source: United States Department of Defense

    The Department of Defense (DoD) today announced a one-year pilot program to provide no-cost supplemental health support services to DoD civilian employees serving in Japan after a yearlong effort to identify and address concerns regarding access to medical care.

    “The Department recognizes the significant contributions of our DoD civilian workforce around the world,” said Ashish Vazirani, who is performing the duties of the Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. “In keeping with Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III’s commitment to taking care of all our people, we owe it to our civilians to facilitate access to health care no matter where they are. The support from this pilot program will help enhance the patient experience for the approximately 11,000 civilians stationed in Japan through the new pilot.”

    This pilot is called the Pilot Health Insurance Enhancement for DoD Civilian Employees in Japan and will assist eligible civilian employees with health care navigation and upfront costs associated with accessing Japan’s healthcare system.

    To be eligible, the employee must be enrolled in a participating health plan through the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program. The enrollment window for eligible employees will be the Federal Benefits Open Season, which runs this year Nov. 11 through Dec. 9. Federal Benefits Open Season allows federal civilians to enroll in or change health care options.

    The services provided under this pilot will begin Jan. 1, 2025, when participants can use the services and access support through a call center. The call center will be open 24/7 and staffed with bilingual service representatives who will assist callers with identifying their needs, make appointments with provider offices, and issue payment guarantees up front. Dependents are not eligible for services during the pilot, which runs through Sept. 29, 2025.

    Employees working in Japan with the following military departments, defense agencies and DoD field activities are eligible for this supplemental coverage:

    • Department of the Air Force
    • Department of the Army
    • Department of the Navy
    • Defense Information Systems Agency
    • Defense Logistics Agency
    • Department of Defense Education Activity
    • Defense Commissary Agency
    • Defense Contract Management Agency
    • Defense Finance and Accounting Service
    • Defense Health Agency
    • Defense Media Activity
    • Defense Threat Reduction Agency
    • National Security Agency
    • Defense Intelligence Agency
    • National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency

    “We are excited to offer this program,” said Seileen Mullen, who is the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs. “This is a no-cost supplemental service, and we encourage civilian employees in Japan to use it.”

    The Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs will oversee the pilot program and has awarded a $4.2 million contract to International SOS Government Services Inc., which is also the prime contractor for the TRICARE Overseas Program. The contract for this pilot is being funded by the military departments, defense agencies and DoD field activities that have civilian employees working in Japan.

    Active-duty service members and TRICARE Prime beneficiaries have prioritized access to health care in military hospitals and clinics based on current federal law and DoD policy. DoD civilians who are not TRICARE beneficiaries may use military health facilities on a space-available basis.

    Agreements with FEHB insurance carriers who currently provide coverage for DoD civilian employees in Japan will be established to provide direct billing agreements. Non-appropriated Fund (NAF) employees are eligible for this program if enrolled in an Aetna International plan.

    Additional details dedicated to this pilot program will be announced before Federal Benefits Open Season begins. This information will also be posted to web sites for military hospitals and clinics in Japan in their “Getting Care” section.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: CNO Remarks at Hampton Roads Navy Birthday Ball

    Source: United States Navy

    Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Admiral Caudle. Thank you everyone. Thank you so much for such an incredible welcome. And let me just echo what Admiral Caudle just said. Happy birthday, Navy.

    Honorable Kiggans, Mary Dyer, Mayor Alexander Admiral Caudle, lieutenant general Shea, flag general, officers Senior enlisted leaders, distinguished guests, industry partners, allies and partners. All of our active and reserve sailors, Navy civilians, and all of our families that are here. It is truly an honor for me to be here with you tonight and celebrate the Navy’s 249th birthday, 249 years.

    As you saw in the video, Warfighting Strength and Readiness. I do want to start tonight by also echoing a few thank yous. So let me say first, thank you to the Sea Cadets who are our color guard our tonight. You are the future of our Navy. Great to see you all. And I also want to say thank you to the Fleet Forces Command Band.

    I hope you’re getting a chance to eat now, because we know we’re looking forward to that great concert later on tonight. So how about fleet forces command band.

    And also to echo Admiral Caudle to Lou and Mary Ellen and many of our teammates here from the Navy League and all the sponsors, but to the Navy League in particular. Thank you for putting together another spectacular birthday celebration. And thank you for your continued support, commitment and advocacy for our sailors and our Navy families every day, not just on our birthday.

    How about a big round of applause for the Navy League and everything you all do, Thank you.

    Of course, the most special guests here tonight are all of our sailors, our Marines, our midshipmen, our Navy, civilians, and other teammates. Thank you for answering our nation’s call to service. Every single one of you has a choice in what you decide to do in your life. And you all have chosen to serve something greater than yourself. And I am grateful for each and every one of you.

    And to all of our families and our big support networks out there, whether you’re here tonight or you’re at home. I also want to extend my thanks to you. Thank you for your own service and your sacrifice. Those of us in the uniform, we cannot do what we do every day without your encouragement, without your love, and without your incredible support.

    So how about a big round of applause for all our families out there tonight.

    Ladies and gentlemen, the birth of our navy came nearly a year before our nation’s independence. And on October 13th, 1775. In the early months of the Revolutionary War, our navy embarked on what would eventually become an congressionally mandated mission to man, train, and equip our forces for prompt and sustained combat incident to operations at sea. With a fleet of just two armed vessels and 80 sailors each.

    Our Navy moved forward with a strong sense of purpose and urgency, protecting American trade, seizing enemy supplies, and attacking British vessels at sea. Equally inexperienced, but driven by their patriotism, these bold and courageous sailors delivered our nation its very first dose of warfighting advantage. Effectively cutting the redcoats off from their supply lines at sea and challenging the British fleet’s superiority, our newly established Continental Navy found immediate success.

    And from that point on, there was no turning back. The great American experiment was truly underway, and with it, the legacy of America’s warfighting Navy over the many centuries, battles, and wars since then, our Navy sailors have continued to deliver warfighting advantage, operating far forward and always ready. As you saw in the video and you’ve lived it yourselves.

    To preserve the peace, respond in crisis, and win decisively in war when called. They did it in the Great War when our convoys of battleships, submarines and auxiliaries crossed the U-boat infested waters of the Atlantic, escorting soldiers and supplies to the Western Front, they did it during World War Two, when our massive fleet of aircraft carriers, battleships, cruisers, destroyers and submarines delivered decisive combat power in consequential campaigns like the Battle of Midway, Operation Overlord, and the Battle of Leyte Gulf.

    And they did it again in the Cold War, when our team of sailors, civilians and industry partners created the most lethal and combat credible force the world had ever seen. When you fast forward to today. This year has been no different. We have continued that great legacy of our Navy and demonstrated another year of warfighting strength and readiness, as you’ve all seen, and maybe you’ve been there.

    Our Navy and Marine Corps team is in high demand in the Middle East under Operation Prosperity Guardian. Our sailors worked tirelessly with over 20 nations to save lives, to defend the rules based international order and ensure the free flow of commerce, knocking down hundreds of missiles and drones at a level of intensity not seen since World War two.

    So tonight I’d like to recognize a few groups, and you’ll see there’s a lot of thanks in here and a lot of applause in here, but we can’t say thank you enough. So I want to recognize our sailors and our teammates here tonight. Both those who deployed all around the world this year, as well as those who got them ready for that deployment and supported them from here ashore.

    So there were many commands that deployed. I’ll just name a few. The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, Carrier Air Wing three and its nine squadrons, the Philippine Sea. You can clap if you’re from there. The Destroyer Squadron 22, USS Gravely Mason, Laboon, Carney, the Florida, military Sealift Command, the supply of the Kanawa and the Alan Shepard who delivered munitions, supplies and goods to sustain our people in our fleet and many other forces.

    So if you deployed in the past year, you are year 249 leading up to year 250. Stand up so we can give you a round of applause for your warfighting prowess. Thank you.

    But there’s also that second group, those commands that we don’t always ask to stand up. They play an incredibly important role ashore, preparing our fleet to deploy and supporting them while they are deployed, like afloat training group Atlantic, Carrier Strike Group four. You can clap if you’re from their Nordic Semitic, the regional maintenance center. All of our fleet readiness centers and all of our medical folks that got our people, ready and out the door.

    Your efforts ensured the readiness of our fighting forces. And let me tell you, their successes would not happen without you. So if you had a hand in making these deployments so successful, please stand up so we can thank you.

    The story of these sailors, civilians and teammates that we just talked about over the last year and we saw in the video really the story of all the war fighters here tonight. Those are just a small sampling of the many stories that are being told all across America’s war fighting Navy and it’s a Navy that works around the globe and around the clock.

    And as we celebrate tonight, thousands more of our sailors and Marines continue to operate far forward, at risk and in challenging environments all around the world, from the eastern Mediterranean to the Red sea to the Indo-Pacific and the Atlantic Ocean everywhere in between. Our team is standing the watch in every domain on, under and above the sea. So let’s all send a quick thought to them.

    A thought of thanks to all the sailors and Marines for standing the watch and keeping us safe so we can enjoy this wonderful evening together. I could not be more proud of this amazing Navy team, active, reserve sailors, our civilians, our families. There is no other Navy in the world, no other joint force in the world who can train, deploy and sustain such a lethal combat.

    Credible force at the pace, scale and tempo that we do. So that’s why I’m so happy to be back here in Norfolk to celebrate our Navy’s birthday with all of you, with the fleet, with the warfighting fleet who have been operating far forward at that point of friction with our adversaries and at the point of friendship with our allies and partners in every corner of the globe.

    You are America’s warfighting Navy in action. And as we look to the future and to the decisive decade ahead, I am confident that our team will continue to serve with honor, courage and commitment. Building on the proud legacy of our heroic sailors and working tirelessly to raise our baseline level of readiness for potential conflict anytime and anywhere. Tonight, like every night for the last 249 years, our Navy is standing the watch deterring aggression, defending our nation’s security and preserving our way of life.

    And this year, like every year in our storied history, we celebrate the birth of our service and take pride in being part of the world’s preeminent fighting force. So as we gather tonight in the company of family and friends sharing a bunch of sea stories and lots of memories from our time in the fleet. Let us also remember that we are here to honor all of our sailors past, present, and future who answer our nation’s call to serve a cause greater than themselves.

    To wear the uniform that symbolizes freedom all around the world, and to ensure that America remains that beacon of freedom and democracy for all to see. We will continue to build on their contributions and share the story of our Navy. The story of 249 years about warfighting strength and readiness. So let me again wrap up by saying thank you.

    Thank you for what you do. Thank you for your support, your service and your sacrifice. Each of you plays a vital role in our Navy and what you do every single day matters to our Navy and to our nation. As your 33rd CNO, I could not be more proud to serve alongside you. And as we head into our 250th birthday next year, I can’t wait to see what this year brings.

    Thank you very much. Have a wonderful evening. Get to that rock concert. I’m excited about that. And all ahead, flank. Thank you very much.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ball Corp. subsidiary to pay $309K to settle hiring discrimination of Black applicants at Georgia facility

    Source: US Department of Labor

    ROME, GA – The U.S. Department of Labor has announced Ball Container LLC, a subsidiary of Ball Corp., has entered into a conciliation agreement in which the employer will pay $309,000 in back wages and interest to resolve alleged race-based hiring discrimination at the company’s beverage manufacturing facility in Rome. 

    A routine compliance review by the department’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs found that, from Feb. 1, 2020, through Jan. 31, 2021, the employer discriminated against 192 Black applicants for production technician positions at the facility. The agency determined Ball Container’s actions violated Executive Order 11246, which prohibits federal contractors from discriminating in employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.

    In addition to paying back wages and interest, Ball Container agreed to provide four job offers to eligible class members when positions become available, review and revise its hiring process and provide training to all managers, supervisors and other company officials involved in the hiring process. 

    “Discrimination is preventable when employers have nondiscriminatory hiring procedures in place and see to it that they are followed,” said Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs Acting Director Michele Hodge. “OFCCP will use every action available by law to ensure workers and job seekers are treated fairly, and that everyone has access to good paying jobs.”

    “Federal contractors that fail to give equal consideration to all applicants – regardless of gender, race or ethnicity – violate the law,” said Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs Acting Southeast Regional Director Diana Sen in Atlanta. “There is no gray area for federal contractors, as regulations require them to ensure equal opportunity for all workers and compliance with federal employment laws.” 

    Headquartered in Westminster, Colorado, Ball Corp. is a federal contractor that supplies aluminum packaging for beverage, personal care and household products, as well as aerospace and other technologies and services primarily for the U.S. government. Since 2020, Ball Corp. has received more than $1.1 billion in contracts with the Department of the Air Force, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and Space Development Agency.   

    OFCCP launched the Class Member Locator to identify applicants or workers who may be entitled to monetary relief and/or consideration for job placement as a result of OFCCP’s compliance evaluations and complaint investigations. If you think you may be a class member, someone who applied for a production technician position with Ball Container LLC at its Rome facility during the investigative period, please use OFCCP’s Class Member Locator to learn more about this and other settlements.

    In addition to Executive Order 11246, OFCCP enforces Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974. Together, these laws prohibit employment discrimination.

    Learn more about OFCCP.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: A Year of Sorrow

    Source: USAID

    One year ago today, Hamas orchestrated a brutal terrorist attack on Israel, killing more than 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages, many of whom are still held by Hamas or unaccounted for to this day. Forever seared into our collective consciousness are the memories of young people at a concert running for their lives, seniors and young children huddling in terror in their homes, and the searing sounds of the victims’ final words to their loved ones. We mourn all those that were murdered that day and grieve with all those who have suffered since.  

    In February, I visited Kibbutz Be’eri, situated on the Gaza periphery, where nearly 100 people were murdered and nearly 30 taken hostage. I saw the horrors that were perpetrated when terrorists attacked a peaceful community and murdered and kidnapped innocent people en masse. I spoke with a father who, in the hours after the attack, attempted to get his children to safety – covering their eyes as they ran so they wouldn’t have to see the carnage around them. He showed me the place where his kids’ grandfather and grandmother were executed at point blank range. We must not forget the lives lost, the families broken, and those who have endured 365 excruciating days of waiting for word of their stolen loved ones. 

    And in the year since, the human cost of the war that began due to the attacks on October 7 has been unimaginable. Across the region, innocent men, women, and children who wanted nothing more than to live in peace and safety have been killed. We mourn all those who have lost their lives in Israel, the West Bank, and Lebanon, and the tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians killed in Gaza – including more than 11,000 children. When I spoke with Palestinians during a visit to the West Bank earlier this year, one man told me that a single Israeli airstrike killed 16 of his grandchildren. So many in Gaza are hungry, sick, and cold – displaced from their homes, and approaching winter with little to no shelter. 

    Across our own USAID community, staff have been deeply impacted by the carnage and trauma of October 7 and the past year of war and humanitarian crisis – including by the horrific deaths and serious injuries of family and friends in Israel, Gaza, and Lebanon. In Gaza, USAID-funded local implementing partner staff and volunteers have been among those who have been injured and killed during Israeli military operations.  

    Looking back over the last year, nothing will bring back those who have died, and nothing can undo the agony people have been living through. Looking forward, all those involved in this conflict must do more to prevent further suffering. The U.S has been the single largest provider of aid to the Palestinian people since October 7, and we continue our relentless push for an enduring ceasefire that will bring home the hostages and end the war in Gaza, as well as our humanitarian efforts and support for diplomacy to provide much-needed relief to people across the region.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: EmpowerHER: 6th Annual CWV Breast Cancer & Domestic Violence Awareness Event featuring Ginger Miller

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    Join us for an inspiring afternoon with Ginger Miller, a formerly homeless, service-disabled Navy Veteran and White House Champion of Change for Women Veterans. As President and CEO of the Women Veterans Interactive Foundation, Inc., and CWV 2019 Trailblazer, Ginger will share her powerful journey through breast cancer treatment at the VA. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear her incredible story of resilience and advocacy.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vnl6iM2PArs

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: EmpowerHER: 6th Annual CWV Breast Cancer & Domestic Violence Awareness Event featuring Ginger Miller

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    Join us for an inspiring afternoon with Ginger Miller, a formerly homeless, service-disabled Navy Veteran and White House Champion of Change for Women Veterans. As President and CEO of the Women Veterans Interactive Foundation, Inc., and CWV 2019 Trailblazer, Ginger will share her powerful journey through breast cancer treatment at the VA. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear her incredible story of resilience and advocacy.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vnl6iM2PArs

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Seizure of contraband and unauthorized items at the Federal Training Centre

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    On October 4, 2024, as a result of the vigilance of the staff, contraband and unauthorized items were seized at the Federal Training Centre, a multi-level security federal institution.

    October 7, 2024 – Laval, Quebec – Correctional Service Canada

    On October 4, 2024, as a result of the vigilance of the staff, contraband and unauthorized items were seized at the Federal Training Centre, a multi-level security federal institution.

    The contraband and unauthorized items seized included hashish. The total estimated institutional value of the seizure is $64,031.

    The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) uses a number of tools to prevent drugs from entering its institutions. These tools include ion scanners and drug-detector dogs to search buildings, personal property, inmates, and visitors.

    CSC is heightening measures to prevent contraband from entering its institutions in order to help ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone. CSC also works in partnership with the police to take action against those who attempt to introduce contraband into correctional institutions.

    CSC has also set up a telephone tip line for all federal institutions so that it may receive additional information about activities relating to security at CSC institutions. These activities may be related to drug use or trafficking that may threaten the safety and security of visitors, inmates, and staff members working at CSC institutions.

    The toll-free number, 1‑866‑780‑3784, helps ensure that the information shared is protected and that callers remain anonymous.

    -30-

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Tribunal Initiates Expiry Review—Hot-rolled Carbon Steel Plate and High-strength Low-alloy Steel Plate from Bulgaria, the Czech Republic and Romania

    Source: Government of Canada News

    The Canadian International Trade Tribunal today initiated an expiry review of its order made on October 31, 2019, in expiry review RR-2018-007, to determine if the expiry of the order is likely to lead to continued or resumed dumping of hot-rolled carbon steel plate and high-strength low-alloy steel plate from the Republic of Bulgaria, the Czech Republic and Romania and is likely to result in injury to the domestic industry.

    Ottawa, Ontario, October 7, 2024—The Canadian International Trade Tribunal today initiated an expiry review of its order made on October 31, 2019, in expiry review RR-2018-007, to determine if the expiry of the order is likely to lead to continued or resumed dumping of hot-rolled carbon steel plate and high-strength low-alloy steel plate from the Republic of Bulgaria, the Czech Republic and Romania and is likely to result in injury to the domestic industry.

    No later than March 6, 2025, the Canada Border Services Agency will determine if there is a likelihood of resumed or continued dumping. In the event of a positive determination, the Tribunal will determine, no later than August 13, 2025, whether the continued or resumed dumping is likely to result in injury to the domestic industry.

    The Tribunal is an independent quasi-judicial body that reports to Parliament through the Minister of Finance. It hears cases on dumped and subsidized imports, safeguard complaints, complaints about federal government procurement and appeals of customs and excise tax rulings. When requested by the federal government, the Tribunal also provides advice on other economic, trade and tariff matters.

    Any interested person, association or government that wishes to participate in the Tribunal’s expiry review may do so by filing Form I—Notice of Participation. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MSA Marks 25th Anniversary with Celebration on Oct. 17

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    The MSA program is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, a significant milestone for the trailblazing program that consistently ranks among the best in the nation.

    “I wish I could take the spirit, the energy, and the interaction that occurs in this program, bottle it and present it to potential students,’’ said accounting professor Steve Pedneault, who owns a forensic accounting firm and has been teaching in the program since 2007. “If they knew how special it is here, they would all come to UConn.’’

    He said he speaks with colleagues and students around the country, who confirm that UConn MSA is unique.

    “First, our professors are experts in the field. You’re learning forensic accounting from an expert, you’re learning tax law from people who worked at the IRS,’’ he said.

    “What we also do better than anyone else is our level of interaction with students,’’ he said. “When I started here, the leadership made it clear if you’re not going to have a high level of interaction with students, you’re not going to be here long!’’

    Celebration Dinner Slated for Oct. 17

    To honor its history and achievement, the MSA program is having a 25th anniversary dinner Oct. 17. Faculty, alumni, students, and business partners are welcome to attend.

    “We are very excited to be hosting this event and to recognize the MSA program for how groundbreaking it was,’’ said Professor George Plesko, head of the accounting department. “We’re proud that we have maintained the program’s excellence, despite the increased competition, and regularly receive national recognition among the best online programs in the country. There are many people who have contributed to that success and I am grateful for them all.’’

    The MSA program began in-person in 1999 and quickly converted to an online format, an approach to education that was almost unheard of then. In the last decade, U.S. News has consistently ranked the program among the Top 10 in the nation.

    Part of a World-Class Institution

    Professor Irene Louth ’02, ’03 MSA is the Chief Tax Officer and Vice President of Taxation at Atlas Air and a two-time UConn alumna. She holds the accounting program in the highest regard.

    “UConn is a world-class institution, and it was a privilege to be part of the UConn Accounting community,’’ she said. “My accounting degrees opened doors for me, and I had many companies competing for my skills. Because of my education at UConn, I passed my CPA exam on the first try with one of the top scores in the state. My UConn experience was excellent and allowed me to step into the world of accounting.’’

    When she was approached about an opportunity to teach in the program two years ago, she didn’t hesitate. She said it was an honor to apply her knowledge and experience and nurture the next generation of professionals.

    “The MSA program instills a great sense of readiness for the learners,’’ she said. “UConn prepares you for what comes next, whether it’s the CPA exam or life as a young professional.’’

    Caring Faculty, High Performing Students

    Alumna Christine D. Gagnon ’02, ’03 MSA , ‘08 MBA is Chief Financial Officer of Roha Group, a New York-based private equity firm, and CEO of Odin Frigg, a boutique agency and advisory services firm. She said that one of the most memorable aspects of the MSA program is the quality and engagement of the faculty.

    “The faculty were very caring and invested,’’ she said. “My fellow students were all of a solid caliber and were striving for high performance as they prepared to enter the professional workforce. Having a peer group of the highest quality was helpful. I’m still in touch with many of my classmates today.’’

    She also appreciated the convenience and flexibility that allowed her to work in the profession, with all the seasonal and client-related demands, while completing her MSA.

    “The Big Four were well connected within the department,’’ she said. “From the university to the profession, everything was well aligned and very relevant. In addition, the program was practical; I could immediately apply the lessons I’d learned.’’

    Louth said she thinks more milestones are on the horizon for the MSA program. “I wish the UConn MSA program another 25-, 75- and 125-year anniversary with quality candidates, faculty, and staff,’’ she said. “I’m biased but I think there is no accounting program that’s better.’’

    The MSA 25th anniversary celebration on Oct. 17 is open to alumni and current students. Tickets are $25 per person. The event begins at 5:45 and runs until 9 p.m. at the Alumni Center in Storrs. To register, please visit: https://msaccounting.uconn.edu/anniversary/. For more information, please contact Erika Durning at Erika.Durning@uconn.edu.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Administrator to Travel to Florida to Direct FEMA Response and Federal Staging Efforts, Meet with State and Local Officials Ahead of Milton Landfall

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Administrator to Travel to Florida to Direct FEMA Response and Federal Staging Efforts, Meet with State and Local Officials Ahead of Milton Landfall

    FEMA Administrator to Travel to Florida to Direct FEMA Response and Federal Staging Efforts, Meet with State and Local Officials Ahead of Milton Landfall

    Evacuation Orders Have Been Issued and Others Are Underway, If Locals Issue Evacuations, Please Listen and Evacuate Now

    FEMA Senior Leadership Remain in States Impacted by Helene and Being Sent to Florida to Support Operations 

    WASHINGTON — Administrator Deanne Criswell continues to lead the federal Helene response and recovery efforts and joined North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, Department of Defense Assistant Secretary Rebecca Zimmerman, Dual Status Commander Wes Morrison, and NORTHCOM Commanding General Gregory Guillot for a press conference to provide updates on the storm damage assessments and response efforts in North Carolina. Following the event, Administrator Criswell will travel to Florida where she will meet with state and local officials today and direct federal response efforts, before traveling back to North Carolina. FEMA senior leader and Regional Administrator Willie Nunn, who led Hurricane Sandy response efforts will also travel Florida and remain there throughout the duration of Hurricane Milton. John Brogan, the Federal Coordinating Officer for Milton, and Helene, will remain in Florida.

    Today, President Joseph R. Biden approved an Emergency Declaration for Florida, authorizing FEMA to save lives, protect the health and safety of those in the storm’s path. FEMA and its federal partners are leaning forward, pre-positioning resources to support local and state response efforts ahead of Hurricane Milton. This includes pre-staging in Florida and the region including six FEMA Incident Management Assistance Teams, five FEMA Urban Search & Rescue teams, three U.S. Coast Guard Swift Water Rescue teams, four HealthCare System Assessment Teams, two U.S Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) temporary power teams, USACE debris experts, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and wastewater experts, 300 ambulances and 30 High Water Vehicles with ladders from the Department of Defense. Additionally, FEMA has two incident staging bases with commodities including food and water. Right now, FEMA currently has 20 million meals and 40 million liters of water in the pipeline to deploy as needed used to address ongoing Helene and Milton response efforts with capacity to expand as needed. 

    Currently, a total of nearly 900 staff are already supporting recovery efforts based out of the Joint Field Office in Tallahassee and operating across the designated counties for hurricanes Helene, Debby and Idalia. This includes over 440 supporting Hurricane Helene recovery, over 300 supporting Hurricane Debby recovery, and over 100 supporting Hurricane Idalia recovery.

    FEMA officials are still actively supporting North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina, Florida and Virginia as they respond to and recover from Hurricane Helene and will not divert personnel or resources from these ongoing responses. 

    The National Hurricane Center warns there is a risk of life-threating storm surge and damaging winds for portions of the west coast of the Florida Peninsula beginning early Wednesday. Areas of heavy rainfall will affect portions of Florida through today well ahead of Milton. There is also increasing concern for coastal flooding for the southeast South Carolina and Georgia coasts on Thursday.

    FEMA understands that people in the path of this storm may still be recovering from hurricanes Helene and Debby and urges everyone to protect themselves and take care of others because time is running out to prepare for the hurricane’s potentially deadly impacts. 

    Counties issue evacuation orders. If you need to evacuate, please “evacuate out, not up.” People should visit FloridaDisaster.org/Know to determine if they live in an evacuation zone. 

    • Your gas tank and electric vehicle only need to be halfway full or halfway charged to ensure you can evacuate further inland to a safe location and away from storm surge.
    • If you are in an evacuation zone and need evacuation assistance, please call 1-800-729-3413. Again, this is for residents that are in evacuation zones.
    • The state of Florida has activated the State Assistance Information Line. Residents needing information and resources can call 1-800-342-3557. There are English, Spanish & Creole speakers available to answer questions.
    • Additional preparedness resources and state updates on Hurricane Milton can be found by visiting FloridaDisaster.org/Updates.
    • For live updates, follow on X and Instagram at FLSERT and Facebook at FDEM.

    Administrator Criswell also directed FEMA’s Deputy Director Erik Hooks to travel to North Carolina today to support response and recovery efforts while she travels to Florida. The Deputy Administrator will travel to South Carolina on Wednesday following his North Carolina visit and meet with tribal nations alongside FEMA’s Tribal Affairs Advocate. At the direction of Administrator Criswell, Deputy Administrator Hooks will also go to Tennessee to help with recovery operations.

    People in Milton’s path should take the forecast seriously and finalize preparation and know how they are going to get information and listen to local officials. Download the free FEMA App available in English and Spanish to receive real-time weather alerts and find local emergency shelters in your area. You can find more hurricane preparedness information on Ready.gov and Listo.gov in Spanish language. 

    Be in the know about your evacuation route. Act now by learning your evacuation routes and identify where you will stay. If you are told to evacuate, do so immediately because your life may be at risk. Make sure everyone in your household knows what to do in case you need to evacuate and that they are familiar with your family’s emergency plan. Learn more about how to evacuate safely on Ready.gov/evacuation and Evacuación | Listo.gov in Spanish language. 

    alex.fonseca

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Applications open to deliver historic pay rise for early childcare workers

    Source: Australian Ministers for Education

    From today, early learning providers can apply for Commonwealth Government funding to deliver early childhood education and care workers a historic 15 per cent pay rise.

    To be eligible to receive the Albanese Government’s funding for the wage increase, early childhood education and care services must agree not to increase their fees by more than 4.4 per cent between 8 August 2024 and 7 August 2025.

    This is good for early childhood educators and good for families.

    There will also be a limit on fee growth in the second year of the wage subsidy. The  percentage limit on fee growth that will apply from August 2025 will be determined by a new ECEC cost index being developed by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

    This is an important condition that will keep downward pressure on out-of-pocket costs for families.

    Services must also pass on funding in full to employees through increased wages.

    The 15 per cent pay rise will be phased in over two years, starting with a 10 per cent increase from December 2024, with a further 5 per cent increase from December 2025.

    This means a typical early childhood educator who is paid at the award rate will receive a pay rise of more than $100 per week this year, increasing to more than an additional $150 per week from December 2025.

    This significant wage increase is an important next step in the Government’s reforms to the sector, building on the successful Cheaper Child Care policy.

    Latest data shows that Cheaper Child Care has seen the average out-of-pocket costs for families decrease by more than 13 per cent from the June quarter 2023 to the June quarter 2024.

    The Government’s Cheaper Child Care policy increased the base subsidy rates from July 2023 for all families earning up to $530,000, and set the maximum subsidy to 90 per cent for families earning $80,000 or less.

    Thanks to the increased subsidy, a family earning $120,000, with one child in care three days a week, paid around $2,140 less last financial year than they otherwise would have.

    The Government is currently considering the Productivity Commission’s report handed down earlier this month.

    For further information on the 15 per cent wage increase, grant eligibility and how to apply visit education.gov.au/early-childhood/workforce/wages/how-apply-worker-retention-payment.

    Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese: 

    “Early educators shape lives and change lives. They deserve more than our thanks – they deserve to be paid fairly.  

    “Parents want their children to be safe, happy and to have the very best start in life. This funding is about fair pay for the people who make this possible.

    “Importantly, we’re making sure that our early educators are getting fair wages without putting cost of living pressure on families.

    “This is part of our Government’s agenda to make sure that Australians are making more and keeping more of what they earn, while providing that vital cost of living relief.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:

    “The child care debate is over. It’s not babysitting. It’s early education and it’s critical to preparing children for school.

    “They lift our kids up and now we are lifting their pay.

    “This means wages up for workers and keeping prices down for families.

    “A pay rise for every early childhood educator is good for our workforce, good for families and good our economy.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Early Childhood Education and Minister for Youth Anne Aly:

    “We’re boosting the wages of early childhood education workers, while relieving cost of living pressures on Australian families.

    “Properly valuing the early childhood education and care workforce is crucial to attracting and retaining workers and vital to achieving the quality universal early learning sector Australian families deserve.

    “A quality early childhood education sector is necessary to support children’s learning and development as well as workforce participation in the broader economy – particularly for women.

    “I urge all eligible early learning services to sign up to this important initiative, so their hardworking staff get the full benefit of this wage increase.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Funding boost to reduce wait times at Palmerston North ED

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has announced a funding boost for Palmerston North ED to reduce wait times and improve patient safety and care, as well as new national standards for moving acute patients through hospitals.

    “Wait times in emergency departments have deteriorated over the past six years and Palmerston North Hospital, despite the best efforts of management and staff, has some of the longest emergency department wait times in the country,” says Dr Reti. 

    “That’s why the Government is investing an extra $6 million in a package of initiatives that will provide extra clinical staff, a more efficient process when patients are discharged from hospital, and a more child-friendly experience for children in ED.” 

    The initiatives funded by this package include:

    • Establishing a discharge lounge to help patient flow and timely discharge from the hospital, so there is capacity for acute admission from ED
    • Additional resources to expand ED capacity, by using the fracture clinic to treat and discharge low acuity ED patients after hours, which will reduce waiting times for these patients
    • Staffing for the newly created children’s area of the ED 
    • Creating an early supported discharge team for older patients 
    • A system flow coordinator to ensure patients are admitted, transferred or discharged more efficiently.

    Dr Reti says that on average, patients are also staying longer at Palmerston North Hospital than any other hospital across the country. 

    “Patients are often staying longer in hospital than they need to, which reduces the number of beds that can be used for other acute cases and contributes to long waits in ED for patients to be admitted. 

    “While it’s a long-standing issue in Palmerston North, it’s not unique to this hospital. That’s why Health New Zealand is establishing new, national standards to improve acute patients’ experience in hospitals, from when they present to when they are discharged.” 

    Health New Zealand’s new Acute Flow Operational Standards will set a baseline for quality care across the country and help clinicians and hospital managers put the right systems and processes in place to manage acute patients. 

    The standards include:

    • Improving use of the discharge or transit lounges to support inpatients who are being discharged that day, which allows ward beds to be made available earlier in the day for acute patients from ED.  
    • Ensuring there is an ED coordinator on each shift responsible for making sure patients being admitted are transferred to a ward as soon as possible, freeing up the ED beds, including for new ambulance arrivals. 
    • Active monitoring and management of patient flow across the hospital to reduce unnecessary delays in hospital and the ED. 

    Dr Reti says these standards will have a positive impact for patients in hospitals across the country and help Health New Zealand improve both ED wait times and wait times for elective surgery by getting the basics right. 

    “These standards are part of the work needed to make progress on our health targets, so that we don’t have to cancel elective surgeries to accommodate acute cases and make sure patients presenting to EDs can be more efficiently admitted, transferred or discharged. 

    “If every hospital across the country is getting these basics right, we can make sure patients are moving through the hospital at the right time, with the right support. 

    “All these initiatives will further our goal of providing timely access to quality healthcare and ensuring New Zealanders get the public services they need.”

     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNECE/FAO Team of Specialists on Forest Communication – Forest Communicators’ Network annual meeting and workshop

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    Hosted by the Czech Ministry of Agriculture and the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences of the Czech University of Life Sciences, participants will learn about the latest best practices in forest communication and trends in forestry in Europe. This will include the role of innovative technology in impactful communication, such as artificial intelligence, ChatGPT, virtual reality and 360° videos. There will be an opportunity to put these new tools into practice in the urban parks and gardens of one of Europe’s greenest cities.

    There will also be a unique focus on urban forestry with a half-day field trip to visit the City of Prague Forests (LHMP). LHMP manages over 2,900 hectares of forests and meadows in Prague, cares for the city’s parks, gardens, orchards and memorial trees, and manages a rescue station for wildlife.

    In addition, participants are invited to submit proposals for 5-minute lightning talks that show examples of impactful communication on forests, trees and wood. The topic this year will be: “Making a change with powerful communication”. Please send proposals and confirm your participation to [email protected].

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: How to maximise embodied carbon in residential buildings (FORESTA 2023 hybrid side event)

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    The UNECE/FAO Team of Specialists on sustainable forest products invites participants to reflect on wood could contribute to maximizing embodied carbon in residential buildings.
    In the near future, cities striving for carbon neutrality will have to significantly increase the share of wood in their portfolio of building materials.

    Agenda:

    Agenda – how to maximise embodied carbon in residential buildings 

    (FORESTA 2023 hybrid side event)

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Medicare Services

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Monica De La Cruz (TX-15)

    Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) introduced the Improving Medicare Services Act of 2024 on Friday, October 4. It is a bipartisan bill aimed at ensuring seniors receive the vital healthcare assistance they deserve by modernizing and improving the 1-800-Medicare call line. The legislation, co-led by Congressman Lou Correa (CA-46), directs the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a comprehensive study and share recommendations on the 1-800-Medicare line, a critical resource for millions of Medicare beneficiaries.

    The study will analyze key aspects of the call line’s performance, including customer wait times and satisfaction, staffing competency and contractor performance, and benchmarking potential improvements or downgrades in service. Based on its findings, it will also provide recommendations to Congress and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Notably, this study will be the first in over 15 years completed by the Government Accountability Office on the 1-800-Medicare call line. By taking a data-driven approach, Congresswoman De La Cruz and Congressman Correa aim to ensure that all Medicare beneficiaries receive timely, accurate, and professional assistance whenever they call the helpline.

    Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz issued the following statement on the importance of this initiative:

    “Seniors rely on the 1-800-Medicare call line for essential information and assistance regarding their healthcare coverage,” De La Cruz said. “We must ensure that this service is meeting their needs efficiently and effectively. This study will highlight where improvements are needed and ensure that we have updated data to make informed decisions on behalf of Medicare recipients. With this legislation, we’re standing up for our seniors to ensure they get the high-quality service they’ve earned.”

    The study will also describe any actions taken by the Secretary of Health and Human Services or contractors carrying out 1-800-Medicare services in response to previous recommendations provided by the GAO.

    “Our seniors here in Orange County and across the country deserve meaningful access to the health care they’ve earned and deserve. They shouldn’t be forced to wait countless hours for answers to get themselves the care they need,” Correa said. “I hear from seniors in my community every day who are forced to endure long wait times, unhelpful responses, and poor service quality, and it’s unacceptable. We’re introducing this legislation today to make sure that all Medicare beneficiaries get timely, accurate, and professional help whenever they call 1-800-Medicare. Because our seniors deserve no less.”

    Original cosponsors are Correa, Rep. Troy Nehls (TX-22), and Rep. Brandon Williams (NY-22).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Department of State Daily Press Briefing – October 7, 2024

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

    Department Press Briefing with Spokesperson Matthew Miller, at the Department of State, on October 7, 2024.

    ———-
    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 http://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/

    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mwmiJE5zYw

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Stansbury Hosts Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries for Community Conversation

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01)

    ALBUQUERQUE — Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) was proud to welcome Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries for a community conversation at the New Hope Full Gospel Baptist Church in Albuquerque.

    The conversation brought together community members, local leaders, and advocates to discuss pressing issues impacting New Mexicans. Leader Jeffries and Rep. Stansbury touched on a broad range of topics including how Democrats are delivering for Americans in tangible ways like lowering costs for Americans, expanding access to healthcare, protecting the environment, and ensuring our democracy stays secure.

    “I am so proud to welcome Leader Jeffries to our beautiful state and share the stage with him and to showcase all the work Democrats are doing for New Mexicans,” said Stansbury. “We have brought millions of dollars back to New Mexico through federal programs, legislation, and Community Project Funding that support education, housing, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development. We will continue this momentum – including tackling pressing issues such as climate change, economic inequality, and access to quality education as we continue to work for New Mexico and our communities.”

    “House Democrats will continue to lean into lowering housing costs and growing the middle class with a particular emphasis on access to affordable homeownership,” said Leader Jeffries. “Being able to purchase a home, keeping that home and being able to pass it onto the next generation is central to the great American dream. And we will fight to maintain the principles of free and fair elections and ensure the right to vote, which John Lewis would always say to us, is sacred, is sacrosanct and is essential to the integrity of our democracy. We have to push back against the extreme right-wing efforts to take it away, so one of our top priorities in Congress will be to pass the John Robert Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.”

    Find photos from the event here. 

    Since taking office, Rep. Stansbury has secured more than a billion dollars in funding for New Mexico’s First Congressional District, including more than $44.5 million for 37 community projects for public safety, economic development, and other needs. 

    Some of what Congresswoman Stansbury has delivered to New Mexico’s First Congressional District include: 

    Crime Prevention and Public Safety: 

    • Last month, the Congresswoman introduced the Stop the Opioid Pill Presser and Fentanyl Act (STOPP Fentanyl Act) to disrupt global criminal networks and suppliers of illicit drugs like fentanyl. 

    Behavioral Health Resources: 

    • In Congress, Rep. Stansbury has secured millions for NM-01 to improve community well-being through behavioral health-focused solutions. This includes leading efforts to secure funding for mental health and addiction recovery programs, such as workforce development, school-based support, crisis intervention, and veterans’ suicide prevention. 

    Gun Violence and Safety: 

    • Congresswoman Stansbury has cosponsored key bills aimed at addressing gun safety, including the Keep Americans Safe Act, the SAFES Act, the Identify Gun Stores Act, the Gun Violence Prevention Research Act of 2023, the Break the Cycle of Violence Act), and the AMMO Act. 
    • These bills focus on universal background checks, bans on military-style rifles and untraceable weapons, and enhancing research and oversight related to gun violence and ammunition. 

    Reproductive Rights: 

    • Congresswoman Stansbury voted to defend reproductive rights against the House GOP’s systematic efforts to criminalize abortion and abortion providers. 
    • Rep. Stansbury joined other House Democrats to sponsor legislation to restore Roe vs. Wade, condemn violence and attacks on healthcare facilities, personnel, and patients, and to pass the Women’s Health Protection Act. 
    • Rep. Stansbury co-sponsored a resolution by House Democrats to condemn attacks on abortion clinics that threaten the safety of patients and health care workers. 
    • Rep. Stansbury also voted to pass the Ensuring Access to Abortion Act and the Right to Contraception Act to safeguard access to contraception and the right of pregnant individuals across the nation to travel to seek safe, legal care. 

    Economy and Jobs: 

    • Rep. Stansbury helped pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Inflation Reduction Act, and the CHIPS and Science Act and her bill the Partnerships for Energy Security and Innovation Act, to invest in our infrastructure, tackle climate change, and build a clean energy economy. 
    • The Congresswoman led the Rail Worker and Community Safety Act to improve federal rail safety regulations, including mandates for a two-person crew, changing the ways hazardous materials can be transported, increasing funding for rail safety inspectors, and codifies mandatory sick leave for all rail workers. 
    • Rep. Stansbury co-sponsored the Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO ACT) which is a comprehensive bill aimed at strengthening labor rights by amending key labor laws to enhance protections for workers, particularly in union organizations and collective bargaining efforts. 

    Water Access and Water Rights:

    • Since her time in the New Mexico Statehouse, the Congresswoman has been a leader in fighting for access to clean water and securing water rights for communities across New Mexico. 
    • She introduced the Water Data Act to establish a framework for standardizing water data across federal agencies, so data is interoperable and easily accessible to water managers and communities.   
    • She also introduced the Rio Grande Water Security Act providing necessary operational flexibility for water managers in the Rio Grande Basin.  The bill also reauthorizes a vital lifeline to address the irrigation infrastructure needs of the Pueblo nations who have used these waters for countless generations.   

    Environmental Justice and Protection:

    • Along with her work in other areas, the Congresswoman has been a champion for climate protections and ensuring a just transition occurs during the efforts to address the climate crisis in communities in New Mexico and across the country. 
    • She co-sponsored several pieces of legislation, including House Resolution 37 – Acknowledging a Climate Emergency, the Civilian Climate Corps for Jobs and Justice Act, the Environmental Justice For All Act, the Promoting Youth Mental Health and Well-Being in a Changing Climate, the Climate and Health Protection Act, and the Excess Urban Heat Mitigation Act. 

    Housing: 

    • Congresswoman Stansbury has been focused on bringing more affordable housing to New Mexicans and has championed several bills including the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2023, the Expansion of Attainable Homeownership Through Manufactured Housing Act of 2023, the Eviction Protection Act of 2023, the Housing for All Act of 2023, the Ending Homelessness Act of 2023, the Affordable Housing Stability During Shutdowns Act of 2023. 
    • Some of her legislative actions include working closely with local tribal leaders to address concerns regarding a lack of funding to meet tribal housing needs in New Mexico and across the country. 

    Healthcare: 

    • The Congresswoman is focused on lowering the costs of healthcare for all New Mexicans and ensuring people who need care can find it when needed. Some of her work includes introducing the Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly (SAFE) Act, the Small Practice, Underserved, and Tural Support Program Extension Act, the Public Health Nursing Act, the Keep Physicians Serving Patients Act, and co-sponsoring the Telehealth Access for Tribal Communities Act of 2024 and the Protecting Access to Ground Ambulance Medical Services Act. 

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Nasdaq Reports September 2024 Volumes and 3Q24 Statistics

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Oct. 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ) today reported monthly volumes for September 2024, as well as quarterly volumes, estimated revenue capture, number of listings, and index statistics for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, on its Investor Relations website.

    A data sheet showing this information can be found at: http://ir.nasdaq.com/financials/volume-statistics.

    About Nasdaq

    Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ) is a leading global technology company serving corporate clients, investment managers, banks, brokers, and exchange operators as they navigate and interact with the global capital markets and the broader financial system. We aspire to deliver world-leading platforms that improve the liquidity, transparency, and integrity of the global economy. Our diverse offering of data, analytics, software, exchange capabilities, and client-centric services enables clients to optimize and execute their business vision with confidence. To learn more about the company, technology solutions, and career opportunities, visit us on LinkedIn, on X @Nasdaq, or at http://www.nasdaq.com.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
    Information set forth in this communication contains forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Nasdaq cautions readers that any forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and that actual results could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to (i) projections relating to our future financial results, total shareholder returns, growth, trading volumes, products and services, ability to transition to new business models, taxes and achievement of synergy targets, (ii) statements about the closing or implementation dates and benefits of certain acquisitions, divestitures and other strategic, restructuring, technology, de-leveraging and capital allocation initiatives, (iii) statements about our integrations of our recent acquisitions, (iv) statements relating to any litigation or regulatory or government investigation or action to which we are or could become a party, and (v) other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties or other factors beyond Nasdaq’s control. These factors include, but are not limited to, Nasdaq’s ability to implement its strategic initiatives, economic, political and market conditions and fluctuations, government and industry regulation, interest rate risk, U.S. and global competition, and other factors detailed in Nasdaq’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual reports on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q which are available on Nasdaq’s investor relations website at http://ir.nasdaq.com and the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Nasdaq undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Media Relations Contacts:

    Nick Jannuzzi
    +1.973.760.1741
    Nicholas.Jannuzzi@Nasdaq.com

    Nick Eghtessad
    +1.929.996.8894
    Nick.Eghtessad@Nasdaq.com

    Investor Relations Contact:

    Ato Garrett
    +1.212.401.8737
    Ato.Garrett@Nasdaq.com

    -NDAQF-

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Visteon to Announce Third Quarter 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP, Mich., Oct. 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Visteon Corporation (Nasdaq: VC), a global technology company serving the mobility industry, will release its third quarter 2024 financial results before the market opens on Thursday, Oct. 24. The company will host a conference call for the investment community at 9 a.m. ET to discuss the results and related matters. The conference call is also available to the public via a live audio webcast.

    The dial-in numbers to participate in the call are:

    • U.S./Canada Participants Toll-Free Dial-In Number: 1-888-330-2508
    • International Participants Toll Dial-In Number: 1-240-789-2735
    • Conference ID: 8897485

    (Dial-in approximately 10 minutes before the start of the conference.)

    The conference call and live audio webcast, related presentation materials, news release and other supplemental information will be accessible in the Investors section of Visteon’s website. Shortly after the call, a replay of the webcast will be available on the company’s website.

    About Visteon 
    Visteon is advancing mobility through innovative technology solutions that enable a software-defined and electric future. With next-generation digital cockpit and electrification products, Visteon leverages the strength and agility of its global network with a local footprint to deliver a cleaner, safer and more connected vehicle experience. Headquartered in Van Buren Township, Michigan, Visteon operates in 17 countries worldwide, recorded approximately $3.95 billion in annual sales and booked $7.2 billion of new business in 2023. Learn more at investors.visteon.com. 

    Follow Visteon:

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/visteon 
    https://twitter.com/visteon 
    https://www.facebook.com/VisteonCorporation 
    https://www.youtube.com/user/Visteon
    https://www.instagram.com/visteon/ 
    https://mp.weixin.qq.com/?lang=en_US 
    https://m.weibo.cn/u/6605315328 
    http://i.youku.com/u/UNDgyMjA1NjUxNg==?spm=a2h0k.8191407.0.0  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Trans Mountain Announces 10-Year Monitoring Agreement with Hifi Engineering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, Oct. 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Trans Mountain has entered into an agreement with Hifi Engineering (Hifi) to deploy a High-fidelity Distributed Sensing (HDS™) fibre optic network for comprehensive monitoring and enhanced leak detection on the Trans Mountain Expansion Project. The hybrid fibre optic network consists of a telecommunications cable paired with Hifi’s specialized optical sensing fibre and dual micro duct conduit.

    “Trans Mountain is committed to continuous improvement in all facets of our operation,” said Jason Balasch, Vice President, Business Development and Commercial Services. “Our pipeline system was already monitored around the clock by two leak detection systems through our control centre in Edmonton. This agreement with Hifi provides our system another layer of leak detection and comprehensive monitoring utilizing their state-of-the-art technology.”

    In addition to installing the fibre optic system for enhanced leak detection and intrusion monitoring, Trans Mountain and Hifi have signed a 10-year monitoring agreement. Under this agreement, Hifi will provide real-time monitoring support from its 24/7 operations centre.

    “We are honoured to have this agreement with Trans Mountain to include 24/7 monitoring support of this multi-product infrastructure,” said Steven Koles, President and CEO, Hifi. “It represents a great showcase of the product agnostic distributed optical sensing and artificial intelligence and machine learning technology from Hifi which can be applied to all types of pipelines including conventional oil and gas, as well as carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and water.”

    State-of-the-art fibre optic system deployed on pipeline for the Trans Mountain Expansion Project.

    The Trans Mountain and Hifi initiative marks the world’s longest fully distributed fibre optic sensing deployment on a multi-product liquids pipeline.

    Hifi’s HDS™ system, now substantially complete, has been under a progressive baselining and commissioning process since the completion of the Trans Mountain Expansion Project. This process leverages new automation and machine learning developed by Hifi to fully baseline normal pipeline operations.

    The deployment includes surveillance support for leak detection, ground disturbance and security integrity risks, including right-of-way intrusion, strain monitoring, pig tracking and other operational applications. The fibre optic system can measure vibrations, temperature and pipe movement, continuously and accurately and can pinpoint the location of a suspected leak or other event within metres.

    Trans Mountain’s pipeline system is also monitored by two computational systems, overseen by control centre operators and the leak detection group. Operators have the authority to shut down the pipeline in the event of a system alarm.

    Trans Mountain and Hifi were recently recognized by the Fibre Optic Sensing Association (FOSA), receiving Project of the Year for this initiative.

    State-of-the-art fibre optic system deployed on pipeline for the Trans Mountain Expansion Project.

    About Trans Mountain

    Trans Mountain Corporation operates Canada’s only pipeline system transporting oil products to the West Coast. We deliver approximately 890,000 barrels of petroleum products each day through a dual pipeline system of more than 1,150 kilometres of pipeline in Alberta, British Columbia and 111 kilometres of pipeline in Washington state.

    Trans Mountain also operates a state-of-the-art loading facility, Westridge Marine Terminal, with three berths providing tidewater access to global markets.

    As a federal Crown corporation, Trans Mountain continues to build on more than 70 years of experience delivering operational and safety excellence through our crude oil pipeline system.

    With our expanded pipeline system now in place, Trans Mountain provides enhanced direct access for Canadian crude oil to world markets. The expansion realizes a world-class system for oil transport, developed to Canada’s high standards within one of the most stringent regulatory regimes in the world, creating long-term economic benefits, enhanced marine protection, enhanced safety and emergency management capabilities, and enhanced skilled-worker capacity building in communities and Indigenous groups.

    About Hifi

    Hifi is a privately held Canadian company, with minority ownership from Enbridge, Cenovus and BDC, specializing in the development, supply and commercial operation of next generation fiber optic sensing technologies and machine learning software primarily used for preventative monitoring of pipelines and other critical assets. Hifi’s technology is deployed across over 3.5 million meters of pipeline assets globally. Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Hifi currently has a number of commercialized service offerings based on its high fidelity distributed sensing (HDS™) technology platform, over 100 patents issued or pending, and was recently awarded 2023 Innovation award from Energy Connections Canada (ECC). Hifi was also named one of SDTC’s Sustainability Changemakers for both 2022 and 2023 in addition to winning awards from the Fiber Optic Sensing Association in 2023, 2022 and 2021 for Innovation and Project of the Year (for the 1,200 km Trans Mountain Expansion pipeline project). Hifi has ranked as one of the Fastest-Growing Companies in North America on the 2021 and 2023 Deloitte Technology Fast 500.

    Media Contact

    Trans Mountain Media Relations
    (604) 908-9734 or (855) 908-9734
    media@transmountain.com

    Hifi Engineering
    (403) 264-8930
    info@hifieng.com

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0f1c71da-554a-49b2-9a7c-53c138e89f54

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/55b5ee87-bf52-4f13-8a0d-4210e18ac37b

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pinehouse — Pinehouse RCMP: male arrested on multiple warrants

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On October 4, 2024 at approximately 5:30 p.m., Pinehouse RCMP received a report that an adult male, who was wanted on warrant, was seen walking near Hilltop Avenue in Pinehouse, SK.

    Officers responded and while conducting patrols of the area they located the adult male. The adult male observed the police vehicle and fled on foot into a nearby treed area. An officer exited the police vehicle, indicated that the male was under arrest, and followed him on foot. When the officer caught up to the adult male, he assaulted and attempted to disarm them. A second officer attended the scene and the adult male was arrested without further incident.

    During subsequent investigation, officers located and seized bear mace, a knife, and a small amount of drugs from the adult male’s backpack.

    As a result of continued investigation, 29-year-old Jerry Natomagan from Pinehouse, SK is charged with:

    • one count, disarming a police officer, Section 270.1(1), Criminal Code;
    • one count, assault on police officer, Section 270(2), Criminal Code;
    • two counts, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, Section 88(1), Criminal Code;
    • one count, fail to comply with release order conditions, Section 145(5)(b), Criminal Code; and
    • one count, resist/obstruct peace officer, Section 129(a), Criminal Code.

    Jerry Natomagan was also arrested on two outstanding warrants from Pinehouse RCMP for charges including sexual assault and assault with a weapon causing bodily harm.

    Jerry Natomagan appeared in court in La Ronge on October 7, 2024.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Wealthier Canadians live longer and are less likely to be dependent as they age, new research finds

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Marie-Louise Leroux, Professeure titulaire en Sciences Economiques, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM)

    Population aging is a growing challenge for developed countries like Canada, with significant implications for health care and long-term care systems. In OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries, the population of people aged 80 and above is projected to more than double by 2050, reaching 9.8 per cent of the population.

    This demographic shift highlights the increasing demand for high-quality long-term care services. Older individuals frequently experience limitations in daily living activities, such as dressing, washing and household tasks.

    By 2050, half of people aged 65 or older in OECD nations are expected to report some limitation in daily living, and dementia cases are projected to reach 42 million. Canada is not exempt from this trend.



    Read more:
    Enabling better aging: The 4 things seniors need, and the 4 things that need to change

    In Québec, for instance, around 315,000 individuals require help with daily activities — a number expected to nearly double by 2050.

    As the number of elderly people needing care grows, the demand for long-term care services will present significant financial challenges for both individuals and governments. Understanding the economic and demographic factors driving long-term care needs, as well as their implications, is crucial for building a more equitable and robust care system.

    Low-income individuals face double penalty

    Research has shown that while life expectancy has increased, it’s unevenly distributed across socioeconomic groups. Factors such as age, ethnicity, gender, income and education play a significant role in determining longevity.

    In Canada, men in the top five per cent of earners live, on average, 11 per cent longer than those in the bottom five per cent. For women, the longevity gap between those with the highest earnings and the lowest earnings is 3.6 years. These findings are consistent with research from other countries, including the United States.

    However, research on the relationship between income and loss of autonomy is still limited. Some studies suggest that lower socioeconomic status is associated with poorer health outcomes and higher disability rates among older adults.

    In the United Kingdom and the U.S., individuals in the bottom third of wealth distribution live seven to nine fewer years without disability compared to those in the top third. Similarly, in Europe, less wealthy individuals have a higher likelihood of becoming dependent and they remain dependent longer.

    Understanding these socioeconomic disparities is crucial for shaping public policy and identifying which groups are the most vulnerable. Low-income individuals face a double penalty: they are both more likely to need long-term care and they are less financially equipped to bear the associated costs.

    As a result, public long-term care policies might consider prioritizing the support of low-income individuals, since wealthier individuals can more easily afford care.

    High-income Canadians live longer

    Our research explored the relationships between longevity, dependency and income using data from a 2016 survey of 2,000 Canadians aged 50 to 69.

    The data combined both subjective self-reports with objective data about the likelihood of living to age 85, developing limitations in daily living activities or entering a nursing home. Financial resources were measured through reported income and savings.

    Our findings show that Canadians with higher incomes are more likely to live to age 85 and are less likely to become dependent. After controlling for several socioeconomic factors, we found that a one per cent increase in income was associated with the following:

    • nearly a five per cent increase in survival probability;
    • a one per cent decrease in the likelihood of having limitations in daily living activities;
    • and a two per cent decrease in the likelihood of entering a long-term care home.

    The relationship between income and dependency was particularly strong among individuals in the top third of the income distribution. This suggests that financial resources play a significant role in extending life and maintaining independence as people age.

    Interestingly, despite their lower objective likelihood of needing nursing home care, higher-income individuals perceived themselves as more likely to require it. A one per cent increase in income was associated with a four per cent increase in the self-reported probability of entering a nursing home, even though the actual probability of this happening dropped by two per cent.

    This discrepancy may be explained by wealthier individuals considering other factors, such as their financial resources and the possibility of receiving care at home from a professional caregiver.

    Targeted support is needed

    The socio-demographic relationships from our study have important implications for designing equitable long-term care policies. Wealthier individuals tend to live longer and are less often dependent, meaning they are in a better position to pay for long-term care expenses.

    On the other hand, low income individuals are more likely to become dependent and may experience greater financial strain if they need to pay for long-term care costs over an extended period, potentially driving them into poverty.

    Our findings recommend that provincial and territorial governments should adopt redistributive policies for long-term care. These policies could involve providing additional subsidies aimed at low-income older individuals, either as a preventive measure or when they first become dependent.

    This approach aligns with the proposal made by Québec Health Minister Réjean Hébert in 2015, who suggested implementing “autonomy insurance” to help retirees above a certain age manage long-term care costs.

    Redistributive policies are critical not only because low-income individuals have fewer financial resources, but also because they face a higher likelihood of dependency. Without targeted support, these individuals could be left struggling to afford the care they need. Designing policies that recognize these disparities can help ensure a more equitable and sustainable long-term care system in Canada.

    Marie-Louise Leroux receives funding from FRQSC and SSHRC-CRSH. She is affiliated with CIRANO (Montréal) and CESifo (Munich).

    Marie Connolly receives funding from FRQSC and SSHRC-CRSH. She is affiliated with CIRANO (Montréal).

    – ref. Wealthier Canadians live longer and are less likely to be dependent as they age, new research finds – https://theconversation.com/wealthier-canadians-live-longer-and-are-less-likely-to-be-dependent-as-they-age-new-research-finds-240081

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SPEECH BY MR ONG YE KUNG, MINISTER FOR HEALTH, AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF REDEVELOPED PASIR RIS POLYCLINIC, 7 OCTOBER 2024, 2.30PM, AT PASIR RIS POLYCLINIC

    Source: Asia Pacific Region 2 – Singapore

    Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean

    SMS Dr Janil Puthucheary

    SMS Desmond Tan

    Advisors Ms Yeo Wan Ling and Mr Sharael Taha

    Mr Cheng Wai Keung, Chairman, SingHealth

    Professor Ng Wai Hoe, Group CEO, SingHealth

    Colleagues and friends

    1.     It is my pleasure to join you today at the official opening of the redeveloped Pasir Ris Polyclinic. A couple of years ago, we started a new practice in the Ministry of Health (MOH), which is that we will officially open a polyclinic on its first day of operations, instead of waiting months later when you are operationally ready. We thought to have a smaller event to open on the first day of operations. 

    2.     I was told we cannot roll pineapples in a Polyclinic, even if it is on the first day, but I am very happy to be able to share this day with everyone. But just for the record, at a Polyclinic, we wish for health, not wealth. 

    Primary Care in Singapore

    3.     Pasir Ris Polyclinic is one of our 26 polyclinics in Singapore. Together with the private General Practitioner (GP) clinics, they form the primary care system of our healthcare system. 

    4.     Primary care is probably the most critical part of any healthcare system. It provides universal access to healthcare for everyone. It ensures efficiency because through primary care, we can treat an illness before it becomes serious. In an ageing society like Singapore, primary care moves further upstream, to deliver preventive care and build health in our community and the population. 

    5.     Many countries recognise that. I have been visiting healthcare and primary care systems in many parts of the world. In China, for example, over the last 10 years, they have been building the equivalent of polyclinics – what they call Community Health Centres – in their cities. I have visited a few of them. In Beijing, there is one centre for every 50,000 residents. 

    6.     Indonesia is also expanding its network of community health centres, called “Pusat Kesihatan Masyarakat”, throughout the archipelago of 18,000 islands. 

    7.     The Philippines is actively building community primary care centres, called BUCAS (Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service) centres. Their Health Minister told me their system is in fact modelled on our polyclinics system. 

    8.     In Singapore, we have always placed strong emphasis and invested significantly in primary care. This includes upgrading the competencies of our family doctors, organising doctors, nurses and care coordinators into teams to deliver more holistic and effective care, and building new polyclinics, facilities and infrastructure. 

    9.     Today, our polyclinics manage almost seven million outpatient visits every year, including 40% of all chronic care patient load. Primary care accounts for about 15% to 20% of total healthcare spending. It is a reasonable and healthy level, which reflects its importance, and we should try to maintain this even as overall healthcare expenditure increases. 

    10.     We will focus on a few key areas of primary care in the coming years. The first is infrastructure, namely the expansion of the polyclinics network. The number of polyclinics will grow from 26 today to 32 by 2030. 

    11.     Second, in preventive care, through the Healthier SG strategy. This is a long journey. But we have an encouraging start, judging by the number of enrollees in the programme. More importantly, I think there is a palpable shift in health habits amongst Singaporeans. We always say Healthier SG depends on three up’s – sign up, turn up and follow up. We have achieved signing up and turning up, and now, we need to follow up. We need to continue to put resources in incentives, outreach, community programmes, new care protocols, technology and IT systems, to make Healthier SG successful in building health for the long term. 

    12.     Third, we also need to upgrade the private family doctor clinics. Excluding aesthetics clinics, we have about 1,600 private clinics. They are an integral part of the national healthcare system. They deliver subsidised primary care through the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS), help manage patients with chronic diseases, and coordinate care with polyclinics, hospitals, as well as social agencies. During pandemics like COVID-19, they stepped forward and became our first line of defence, directly attending to infected patients. 

    13.     We are looking into ways to enhance the professional competencies of private family doctors, improve their premises to encourage multi-disciplinary practice, and strengthen their partnerships with community organisations and other healthcare providers. 

    Uniqueness of Pasir Ris Polyclinic

    14.     This newly redeveloped Pasir Ris Polyclinic is a good example of our commitment to improving primary care in Singapore. Our planning team had put in extra effort to create a polyclinic that is community- and patient-centric

    15.     It is an impressive polyclinic. There will be a wide range of services, including physiotherapy and dental services. In the coming months, the Grace Memory Clinic and Health Wellness Clinic will be opened to support residents with dementia and mental health needs. 

    16.     This polyclinic will be a training site for family doctors. It will also feature an Academic Family Medicine Centre, dedicated to training doctors under the Family Medicine residency programme. 

    17.     It will also enhance service delivery through the use of technology such as telemonitoring, electronic registration, appointment making and payment options for a more seamless patient experience. Teleconsultation services will not only cover traditional areas like preventive care and chronic disease management, but also dietician and physiotherapy services. 

    Closing

    18.     I thank everyone who has put in so much effort to plan, design and execute this newly redeveloped Polyclinic. I also want to thank the Grassroots Advisers who have paid a lot of attention to this redeveloped Polyclinic, and helped MOH ensure that it will serve the needs of the community and its residents. 

    19.     As an Adviser in Sembawang who is heavily involved in the development of our community hub called Bukit Canberra, I can fully appreciate what it is like for other Advisers to oversee such a major integrated development like the Pasir Ris Mall. 

    20.     It doesn’t open with a big bang, but facilities are added in phases. Each addition makes the destination even more attractive, evolving into a hub for residents. I am glad that MOH gets to contribute to this key community project in Pasir Ris town. On that note, let me now invite Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, the lead Adviser of this area, to deliver his remarks. 

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Shotgun found in stolen vehicle

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police have recovered a firearm after a stolen ute was stopped in rural South Auckland in the early hours of this morning.

    Information was received after midnight that a stolen commercial ute was travelling south through the Wiri area.

    Counties Manukau South Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Clive Wood, says the Police Eagle helicopter was deployed as a result.

    “Eagle quickly picked up the vehicle’s movements and relayed this information to staff on the ground,” he says.

    “The vehicle carried on south until arriving at an address in Ararimu.”

    A Police unit quickly moved in behind the ute.

    “The driver was taken into custody without incident and a further search was invoked of the stolen vehicle,” Senior Sergeant Wood says.

    Inside, Police located a 12-gauge shotgun, ammunition, cannabis and methamphetamine.

    Senior Sergeant Wood says the 32-year-old male driver’s night took a turn, with additional charges being laid on top of being in possession of a stolen vehicle.

    The man has also been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, ammunition, as well as drugs offences.

    He will appear in the Pukekohe District Court today.

    Senior Sergeant Wood says: “Investigations are still ongoing into the original incident where several commercial vehicles were stolen from an Ōtara business last week and have been recovered.

    “This is another great result from our team working overnight, with a firearm taken out of circulation in our community and an offender to face up to the courts.”

    ENDS. 

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Smith Bill Supports Pregnant Mothers, Promotes Choosing Life Through Tax Code

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Smith (8th District of Missouri)

    strong>WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jason Smith and U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT), along with Congressman Doug Lamborn (R-CO), introduced the Child Tax Credit for Pregnant Moms Act that would make pregnant mothers eligible for the Child Tax Credit (CTC), allowing them to save up to an additional $2,000 for an unborn child.

    “From the moment a baby is conceived, a family’s priorities begin adjusting to prepare for their arrival. It’s time for our tax code to help babies who are still in the womb by making sure their parents have the resources necessary for their arrival. That’s why I’m proud to introduce the Child Tax Credit for Pregnant Moms Act, which will allow working families to claim up to an additional $2,000 with the Child Tax Credit before the child is born, giving them a chance to get a head start to prepare, save, and invest in their future.” –  said Rep. Jason Smith

    “Expecting parents begin providing and preparing for their child the minute they learn they’re having a baby—the Child Tax Credit should reflect the fact that unborn children are children too,” Sen. Daines said. “From prenatal care to stocking up on baby supplies, this tax relief will help parents prepare for the arrival of their baby.”

    “Having a child is a financial commitment which is why I am pleased to introduce the Child Tax Credit for Pregnant Moms Act with Senator Daines and Congressman Smith. This legislation will encourage childbirth by allowing pregnant mothers to collect the child tax credit and get the necessary resources they need for their unborn children. Despite attempts by the left to dehumanize the unborn, we must continue working to recognize the inherent value and dignity of our unborn babies.”- said Rep. Doug Lamborn

    From stocking up on diapers, to setting up a new crib the work, care, and costs associated with motherhood begin long before a child is born. Recognizing unborn children for the CTC would give expecting parents and their families an opportunity for a better start.

    In order to ensure equal access, parents of miscarried and stillborn children also have the opportunity to qualify for the tax credit. Parents who lose a child to miscarriage or stillbirth often have significant financial burdens such as medical bills and funeral expenses. Allowing grieving parents to receive the CTC is a small but meaningful step to help provide them with support.

    Read the full text HERE.

    Organizations that support this legislation include: Susan B. Anthony List, Family Research Council, March for Life, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Student for Life, Feminists for Life, Americans United for Life, National Right to Life, American Principles Project, Catholic Vote

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Statement on the U.S. Postal Service Reopening Montpelier Post Office

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    MONTPELIER, VT—Today, 65 weeks after the July 2023 floods displaced the downtown Montpelier Post Office and following the advocacy of Vermont’s postal customers, local postal workers, community and State leaders, and the Vermont Congressional Delegation, the U.S. Postal Service announced the opening of a fully-functional retail location at 89 Main Street in Montpelier, which will officially reopen to the public with a ‘Grand Reopening Celebration’ on October 12, 2024. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) released the following statement:
    “For over 450 days, Montpelier’s families, seniors, and businesses have waited for the U.S. Postal Service to stop stalling and restore service. After being pushed for months to act—by the Montpelier community, postal workers, local and State leaders, and the Vermont Congressional Delegation—Vermonters will finally have access to this essential service in their own community once again.
    “There is no justifiable reason for Postmaster General Louis Dejoy’s failures in Montpelier, which for 15 months was the only capital city without a fully-functional post office. Clearly, the internal benchmarks of the U.S. Postal Service to restore service after a disaster were entirely dismissed and the national management of the USPS has failed to respond to the needs of Vermont. Our state’s confidence in this essential service has been badly eroded, and we need to see concrete actions by the USPS Board of Governors and the national management to prove they can, indeed, deliver for small and rural communities. If opening a post office—a task this agency has done more than a thousand times in their 250-year history—is too challenging, they should consider a change in leadership.”
    Four months after Vermont’s 2023 floods the USPS temporarily relocated the post office to inoperable mail trucks with no power, bathrooms, or shelter from the elements. Then, PO box and retail postal services were relocated out of Montpelier altogether. Following advocacy by impacted Vermonters, community organizers, concerned workers, the press, and the Vermont Congressional Delegation, the Postal Service announced it had signed a lease for a new retail Post Office. Even after signing a lease, it took USPS an additional 22 weeks to open this new space.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Interview, Triple M Hobart

    Source: Australian Ministers 1

    ANDY ‘TUBES’ TAYLOR, HOST: The Federal Communications Minister is Michelle Rowland, and she joins us live on the show right now. Good morning to you, Minister.
    ​
    MICHELLE ROWLAND, MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS: Good morning, Kaz and Tubes.

    Telstra, Optus and TPG Telecom, including Vodafone, are switching off their 3G mobile networks at the end of this month. What does that mean for Tasmanians, Michelle?

    ROWLAND: Well that’s right. There’s three weeks to go. So it means a couple of things for the good people of Tasmania. The first is it’s important to check that your mobile device is compatible when the switchover happens. Your listeners can do that by texting the numeral ‘3’ to the number ‘3498’. That’s just the number ‘3’ to ‘3498’, and immediately they will be told whether their device is compatible after the switchover. So that’s really important.

    The second thing is, this is the first switchover of mobile technology that’s been done in the era of the Internet of Things. We’ve got medical devices, smartwatches, so many things that rely on mobile connectivity. My key message to all your listeners is to check your tech. There’s a national public awareness campaign that’s being run right now. Your listeners can go to http://www.3Gclosure.com.au.

    Please make sure that you check the compatibility of all these devices after the switchover, especially with medical alarms, and especially if you’ve got family, friends and loved ones who rely on them.

    And, I should say, it is a good thing that this is happening in three weeks. It does need to be done in a safer way, and the operators have put off the switchover and deferred that so that we could get this public education campaign done. They’ve been working closely with the Government and with industry overall.

    What it will mean is better quality mobile in the regions, because it’s using the radio communications spectrum in a better way, better performance, better signals and less interference. But we need to make sure that it’s done in the safest way possible.

    KAZ MCMULLEN, HOST: So, Minister, can you tell me what 3G actually is?

    ROWLAND: So, the 3G network is really a generation. It started off obviously with 1G. We had 2G networks that utilised spectrum in a certain way. 3G gets a little bit better. G just refers to the evolution of the different generations of technology.

    TUBES: Technology, yeah.

    ROWLAND: Now, what they go to, it’s things like- how people actually notice it in real life- better data capacity, better speeds, more reliability. So these are actually good things to be developing, and Australians have always been early adopters. I don’t know if you’ve seen in the media today, smartphone sales are really increasing, both because of the switchover but because people want better AI-enable devices. Australians have always been interested in getting the best handsets, the best underlying tech.

    And of course governments need to support that as well by having the best quality underlying networks. And of course, the mobile operators need to do that too. So, we’re looking for a better experience overall.

    But with three weeks to go, my key message is for everyone to check their tech, make sure that they’ve got devices that are compatible when 3G gets switched over to 4G and 5G.

    TUBES: Now, this question comes through on our text line from Annie in Murdunna: ‘For decades now we’ve had average, at best, mobile service in Murdunna. What’s the Government doing for our community here to improve the services? We are literally 50 kilometres as the crow flies from Hobart.

    ROWLAND: Well, it’s a really good question. And Annie, I think, is asking what a lot of Tasmanians are asking, and that’s why aren’t mobile operators investing more in these areas, and what can governments do to support that? One of the key things we’re doing here is our National Audit of Mobile Coverage that’s happening right now. It’s happening in Tasmania, and it’s the first time that this has actually been done, because we don’t have a good sense and a really overall experience of how people are consuming mobile coverage. We’ve got maps and the carriers put out their maps, but, as I’m sure Annie and your listeners will tell you, they’re not based on real life. You’ll be in areas where your mobile operator will say, yes, you’ve got a signal here, but in real life, it’s not sufficient to be able to use data to upload and do sometimes even just basic voice and text. So this is happening right now.

    We’re also utilising Australia Post. We’ve got Australia Post long-haul vehicles, their delivery vans, and also Australia Post retail outlets right around Tasmania in places from Bicheno to Port Arthur, Queenstown, Strahan, that are measuring, in real time, what that coverage is. So this is really going to be a step change. It’s going to be able to inform the carriers about where they need to invest. And importantly, for governments where we need to target investments as well, because governments have a role to play here, but also the mobile carriers.

    We need to ensure that we get that really good map of coverage, that’s something that- you know, is living, this is running until 2027. And your listeners can actually go right now and check it out. If you just search up the mobile audit visualisation tool, it’s pretty cool. You can actually search by carrier, by different roads, by areas, and you can see how that coverage is right now. This is going to be a really important tool going forward to fix exactly what’s been a long-standing problem.

    And I’ll just end by saying, Annie, I totally hear you. So many Australians rely on mobile connectivity not just for their day-to-day usage, but how they transact with government, how they conduct their businesses. So, we understand how important it is, including in natural disasters and emergencies.

    TUBES: Absolutely. And I know this technology advances so quickly. Michelle Rowland, it’s been a pleasure to talk to you. The Federal Communications Minister, thank you so much for taking the time to chat to us. For those that need more information, as the Minister said, you can text the numeral ‘3’ to the number ‘3498’ to find out whether your device is ready for the 3G network to be switched off.

    Michelle Rowland, the Federal Communications Minister, we really appreciate your time on Triple M.
     

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: VCNO Visits Hawaii, Focus on Readiness and Warfighters

    Source: United States Navy

    The U.S. Pacific Fleet is the world’s largest fleet with approximately 200 ships, 1,500 aircraft, and 150,000 military and civilian personnel operating across 100 million square miles of land, air and sea.

    Kilby began the visit discussing Pacific Fleet’s essential role deterring conflict, upholding international law and assuring access to the seas with Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet Adm. Steve Koehler.

    “The United States is a Pacific nation and the Sailors and civilians serving in the Pacific Fleet have an immense responsibility,” said Kilby. “The Chairman of the People’s Republic of China has charged PRC forces to be ready for war by 2027 and it is critical we remain postured to deter, defend and if necessary, defeat provocative actions and unsafe behavior across the Indo-Pacific.”

    Kilby also observed how the Navy executes fleet-level warfare and facilitates lower-echelon mission command at Pacific Fleet’s Maritime Operations Center. Pacific Fleet’s MOC has the lead for achieving certified and proficient teams in command and control, information, intelligence, fires, movement and maneuver, protection, and sustainment functions in accordance with the Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti’s Navigation Plan for America’s Warfighting Navy 2024.

    Kilby also met with Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Adm. Sam Paparo, responsible for joint U.S. military operations throughout the DoD’s priority theater, which encompasses more than 380,000 U.S. troops across all services, as well as 38 nations, 14 time zones, more than 50% of the world’s population, seven of the ten world’s largest militaries, and five nations allied with the U.S. through mutual defense treaties.

    “I cannot overstate the importance of this theater at this critical time in our nation’s history,” said Kilby. “The partnerships, presence and military readiness these warfighters provide is vital to our global economy, deter aggression, and when necessary, enables us to fight to win.”

    The USINDOPACOM AOR shares borders with each of the other five geographic combatant commands and covers the largest amount of the globe.

    Additionally, Kilby met with Commander, Navy Region Hawaii / Navy Closure Task Force – Red Hill Rear Adm. Stephen Barnett and discussed the Navy’s long-term commitment to closing the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility (RHBFSF) and protecting the environment, the aquifer and the entire Hawaii. Kilby also toured RHBFSF during his visit.

    Navy Region Hawaii is a fleet concentration area for more than 25,000 Sailors and 10,000 civilian employees, including more than 60 commands.

    In September, NCTF-RH launched two new communication features to provide the public more options to stay informed on closure activities. One feature is a decommissioning dashboard function on the NCTF-RH mobile app that provides a visual depiction of the RHBFSF tank cleaning progress. The second is the “Let’s Talk Red Hill” podcast series featuring NCTF-RH Deputy Commander Rear Adm. Marc Williams with guest co-hosts and subject matter experts.

    Kilby also toured shore infrastructure during his visit, including the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Airfield, West Loch Annex, Wastewater Treatment Plant and unaccompanied housing.

    “Shore readiness is Navy readiness,” said Kilby. “The CNO has directed by 2027, we will assess, prioritize and program resources to repair infrastructure directly supporting Navy Task Critical Assets to improve operational readiness in the Pacific.”

    Kilby also stressed the importance on stable and predictable funding for continued support of the Navy investments.

    “The Navy must continue our momentum of our efforts to invest in our infrastructure and the quality of service of our people,” said Kilby. “Passing legislation on time and avoiding a continued resolution ensures we can continue to support our Nation’s security interests, ready our platforms and weapons, and take care of our Sailors and civilians.”

    Kilby also met with Navy leadership to discuss NAVPLAN 2024. This strategic guidance focuses on two strategic ends: readiness for conflict with the PRC by 2027 and enhancing long-term advantage. It aims to achieve these ends through two central ways: implementing seven “Project 33 Targets” and expanding the warfighting ecosystem.

    “CNO’s NAVPLAN gives strategic guidance to our Navy regarding where we are now and where we need to go faster to achieve our goals. It’s about thinking, acting and operating differently in a dynamic and changing security environment,” said Kilby. “It’s about raising our baseline level of readiness, putting more players on the field and taking care of our people. We must move forward with purpose and urgency to ensure we remain ready to fight and win should deterrence fail.”

    Continuing Kilby’s emphasis on readiness, he spent time at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility talking with leadership, Sailors and civilians assigned to the shipyard about the vital role the shipyard provides for our national security and our fleet.

    “CNO has given her guidance – by 2027, we will achieve and sustain an 80 percent combat surge ready posture for ships, submarines, and aircraft,” said Kilby. “The team at PHNSY & IMF are essential to achieving that goal for our ships and submarines. Achieving this is an all-hands efforts and I am incredibly proud of what this shipyard is able to accomplish to keep our Fleet fit to fight.”

    Kilby saw the progress made on Dry Dock 5, the first dry dock built in Pearl Harbor since 1943. It’s designed for a projected service life of 150 years and to accommodate the maintenance needs of Virginia-class submarines.

    The U.S. Navy operates four public shipyards; PHNSY & IMF is located in the heart of the Pacific and hosts the only U.S.-owned dry docks located outside the continental United States. The upgrades at PHNSY & IMF are in line with upgrades happening across all four public shipyards as part of the Navy’s Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program.

    For more information on CNO’s Navigation Plan for America’s Warfighting Navy 2024 visit: https://www.navy.mil/Leadership/Chief-of-Naval-Operations/CNO-NAVPLAN-2024/

    This was Kilby’s first visit to Hawaii as the Vice Chief of Naval Operations.

    MIL Security OSI –