Ben Owen

Cherisa Jerez, DBA's time in the Army was more than just about serving her country. It was a profound lesson in leadership that she will carry with her forever. As the leader of an all-male platoon, Cherisa discovered the essence of servant leadership and the profound impact of investing in her team. Her experiences have undoubtedly influenced her leadership style, both in her career and personal life. If you'd like to learn more about Cherisa's story, you can watch the full episode by clicking the link: https://lnkd.in/gZvrYcqX.  #thankgod #army #leadership #servantleadership #takinganinterest #team #allmaleplatoon #female #deploy #rapidlydeployableunit.

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Army SBIR CATALYST unites the Army, integrators and small businesses to create innovative technologies — propelling concepts to final transition and commercialization. With contracts up to eight times larger than typical SBIR awards, small businesses and their Army and industry partners can drive Army priorities and support modernization efforts. Announced at the October 2022 Association of the United States Army Annual Meeting and Exposition by the Under Secretary of the Army, Hon. Gabe Camarillo, the Army SBIR CATALYST Program is one of five initiatives incentivizing the Army’s collaborative efforts with industry. The Army SBIR CATALYST pilot launched in February 2023, followed by the second iteration of the program, unveiled at the October 2023 AUSA Annual Meeting and Exposition. The Army SBIR Program will select up to five small businesses for new CATALYST contracts — totaling up to $75 million over the duration of their potential awards. To ensure the U.S. can overcome any adversary, the current Army SBIR CATALYST Program prioritizes ecosystems such as artificial intelligence and machine learning; autonomy; climate and clean tech; contested logistics and sustainment; immersive and wearables; and sensors. Learn more here:

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NAW Urges the Biden Administration to Act Now on the Port Strike Eric Hoplin, President and CEO of NAW, released the following statement: “The East and Gulf Coast port strike is putting our economy and national security at risk. This strike isn’t just about disrupting a few shipments; it’s about stopping the supply chain and bringing the flow of critical goods to a standstill. The damage could reach $5 billion a day, with small and mid-sized businesses at risk due to missed deliveries and empty shelves. The Biden administration must use its authority now to stop the strike before the impact becomes irreversible. This is not just about pay or a shipping delays—it’s about our global competitiveness. The ILA’s demands to ban automation in ports will cripple our ability to compete internationally, while ports in Europe and Asia embrace automation and technology to stay ahead. The administration must act decisively—end this strike, reopen the ports, and ensure the U.S. remains a leader in global trade.”

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Members of the West Virginia Air National Guard are busy in Peru participating in the multinational exercise Resolute Sentinel 2024.  #RS24 is sponsored by U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) and marks the beginning of a comprehensive joint training opportunity aimed at enhancing regional security and interoperability among Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Chile, Brazil, France and the United States. The exercise is divided into multiple phases, each designed to hone the capabilities of the participating forces through realistic scenarios. This year, special emphasis is placed on medical readiness, with joint medical teams conducting field hospital exercises and providing medical care to local communities. One of the primary goals is to enhance the Americas’ ability to respond collectively to natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes and floods, which are prevalent in the region. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gbb3R_-h #ResoluteSentinel2024 #Partnerships #StatePartnershipProgram #SPP #StrongerTogether #Readiness #OneGuard #Guard387

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VA Hospital Master Wayfinding Design Study - Sources Sought Notice (SDVOSB Set-Aside) U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is looking for a qualified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) to conduct a Master Wayfinding Design Study for TOGUS VA MEDICAL CENTER in Togus, ME. Project Description: Develop a comprehensive #wayfinding program for the VA hospital to improve navigation for patients, staff, and visitors. This includes reviewing existing #signage, conducting user interviews, and developing a wayfinding strategy that considers all areas of the hospital. The final deliverables will include a wayfinding master plan, design standards, and implementation recommendations. NAICS Code: 541310 (Architectural Services) https://lnkd.in/eRkxdpu4 #SourcesSoughtNotice #SmallBiz #GovCon #VOSB #SDVOSB #VetsFirst #VAVetsFirst #SetAside #MarketResearch #RequestForInformation #construction #AE #Renovation #Building #DesignBuild Society of American Military Engineers #Design #Architect #Engineer #buildingmaintenance #facilitymanagement #facilitiesmaintenance #facilitiesmanagement #medicalbuilding #medicalconstruction EMDC's Maine APEX Accelerator (PTAC)

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Operation Mikado Operation Mikado was the code name of a military plan by the United Kingdom to use Special Air Service troops to attack the home base of Argentina's five Super Etendard strike fighters at Río Grande, Tierra del Fuego, during the 1982 Falklands War. The British Task Force had been successfully attacked by these Argentinean aircraft using French Exocet air-to-sea missiles, sinking two ships. This operation was intended to destroy the three remaining Exocet missiles that Argentina had in its possession and the Super Étendard launch aircraft. It was also designed to kill the pilots in their quarters. To achieve this, Brigadier Peter de la Billière (Director of the SAS) proposed an operation similar to Operation Entebbe, which consisted of landing 55 SAS soldiers in two Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft directly on the runway at the Rio Grande. According to the plan, the C-130s would be kept on the tarmac with engines running while the men of B Squadron SAS performed their mission. If the C-130s survived, then they would head for the Chilean air base at Punta Arenas. If not, the surviving members of the SAS Squadron and aircrew would use whatever transport available on the airfield to make their way to the Chilean border, about 50 miles to their west. However, this operation was seen by experienced SAS members to be a suicide mission and was considered to be impossible to pull off, due to the loss of the element of surprise and due to British intelligence discovering that the Argentines enjoyed far better radar coverage than initially expected. As a consequence, the airborne assault plan attracted considerable hostility from some members of the SAS, which ultimately led to one sergeant submitting his resignation shortly before the team was due to fly out to Ascension and to the squadron's commander being relieved and replaced by the regiment's second-in-command. The lack of on-site intelligence meant that the British forces did not have a clear idea of how Rio Grande was defended, nor any guarantees that the Super Etendards or the Exocets would even be there if an operation took place. British forces also had no information on how the base was organized and did not know where the Exocets or pilots were located. Ultimately, the British Government acknowledged that there was a strong likelihood that the operation would have failed. After the war, it was revealed that the Rio Grande area was defended by four Argentine Navy-Marine Corps battalions, some of whose officers had been trained in the UK by the SBS years earlier. Argentine marine commanders stated that they were expecting a special forces attack, but never expected a Hercules to land directly on their runways, although they would have pursued British forces even into Chilean territory in case of attack. The operation's failure would have been a propaganda disaster for the British forces, and conversely a morale boost for Argentina

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MURDERS AND DRUG DEALERS | #Tonight at 10p ET, #HSI San Juan special agents arrest 37 members of a smuggling network responsible for multiple murders and importing/exporting cocaine on the island, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations agents in Mayaguez chase a vessel with $5.4 million in cocaine onboard on #NatGeoTV’s new series about combating the global cocaine trade in the Caribbean — To Catch a Smuggler: Tropical Takedown. The “Caribbean Corridor” is a gateway for criminal networks pushing cocaine to the U.S. and Europe. HSI special agents and #CBPAMO seize millions in cocaine from smugglers and dismantle drug trafficking organizations operating in Puerto Rico and surrounding islands. 📺 on.natgeo.com/3GqSLcQ 👀Get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of #TCAS: https://ow.ly/RfPx50ThH32 #NatGeo #LawEnforcement #streaming

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#DYK: The federal government sets aside specific contracts for service-disabled #veteranowned businesses? SDVOSBs must certify through the @SBAgov VetCert platform to be eligible to receive these contracts.  VETRN recommends learning more here: https://bit.ly/3Pycf6X #veteranownedbusiness #smallbusinessowner #smallbusinessowners #smallbusinesstips #veteranshelpingveterans

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"Beyond strategies, policy, and investment, the US military needs to create a command to develop national contingency plans to mobilize and sustain the materiel required by the joint force and, in the event of conflict, interdict adversary supply chains through partnerships across the government." Thanks to the Modern War Institute at West Point for running 𝑰𝒇 𝑯𝒆𝒑𝒉𝒂𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒖𝒔 𝑫𝒐𝒆𝒔𝒏'𝒕 𝑨𝒏𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒓, my personal take on the need for a more active approach to defense supply chains. This article and the ideas within have been years in the making. There are many who walked alongside me and I'm grateful! Special thanks to Greg Boschert, Matt Evers, CLTD, Joseph Whittington, David Sanford, David Martin, Sean W., John Barrett, Cody Retherford, Lyle Drew, Jason Okumura, Jon Millard, Peter Guinto, Margaret Sankey, and Chip Litchfield for their thoughtful inputs. As always, these views and any weaknesses related are mine alone! #weaponizedinterdependence #supplychains #warfare #logistics

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OVERVIEW OF VA DISABILITY RATINGS: A COMPREHENSIVE PRIMER VA disability ratings play a crucial role in determining the benefits that veterans are eligible to receive for disabilities incurred or aggravated during military service. These ratings are designed to compensate veterans for the loss of civilian employability and quality of life caused by their service-connected conditions. Understanding the VA disability ratings system is the first step for veterans seeking compensation for service-related injuries or illnesses. WHAT ARE VA DISABILITY RATINGS? VA disability ratings are expressed as percentages, assigned in 10% increments, ranging from 0% to 100%. These percentages reflect the severity of a veteran’s service-connected condition and its impact on their ability to perform work and engage in daily activities. The higher the disability rating, the greater the compensation awarded to the veteran. THE PURPOSE OF VA DISABILITY RATINGS The primary purpose of VA disability ratings is to offer financial compensation to veterans who have suffered injuries, illnesses, or aggravations of pre-existing conditions due to their military service. These ratings acknowledge the economic loss experienced by veterans due to their service-connected disabilities. Compensation is not only a recognition of the sacrifices made by veterans but also a means to support their integration back into civilian life and to provide for their well-being. VA’S CRITERIA FOR RATING DISABILITIES The VA uses the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) to determine the appropriate disability rating for a wide range of conditions. The VASRD categorizes conditions according to the body systems they affect and assigns diagnostic codes to each condition, along with criteria for assigning ratings based on severity. When evaluating a disability claim, the VA considers factors such as: The medical evidence provided by the veteran, including VA medical examinations and hospital records. The impact of the disability on the veteran’s ability to work. The veteran’s personal statements and reports from family members or friends about the condition’s impact. It’s important for veterans to provide comprehensive medical evidence and detailed accounts of how their disabilities affect their daily lives and employment capabilities. Read Full Blog Post Here: https://lnkd.in/e_bkNzsE

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📢 New Commentary 📢 Explore the latest insights from our President and Chair, Dr. Erin McFee, and 2024 Summer Fellow, Sean Kingsland, as they shed light on the urgent challenges faced by Afghan National Army Special Operations Command (ANASOC) members post-withdrawal. Their recommendation? It’s time to streamline and expedite special visa programs for these Afghan SOF veterans. 🐺🌱 In collaboration with Dr. Lyla Kohistany (Ed.D) and Ahmad Khalid Noori from Honor the Promise, we’ve spent two years researching the immense risks and obstacles these elite forces encounter – both for those who have already resettled in the U.S. and those still trapped due to insufficient visa pathways. 🤝🎗️ In August 2023, we published a comprehensive Policy Paper titled, "Afghan Allies Out of War: Addressing the Needs of the Afghan Special Operations Forces Community and their Families in the United States." 💡 You can read it here: https://lnkd.in/gnfncu3y https://lnkd.in/g5putrQV #PolicyResearch #AfghanAllies #SpecialOperations #VeteranSupport #Afghanistan #VisaReform #HumanRights #CorioliResearch

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🚀 Join Us at the Fedpreneur Round Table! 🚀 📅 Date: 21 NOV 🕒 Time: 7:30AM-10:00AM 📍 Location: Tower Club, 8000 Towers Crescent Dr Suite 1700, Vienna, VA 22182 Are you a transitioning federal civilian or military personnel? Considering a new career path or entrepreneurship? This event is for you! We invite you to an engaging round table discussion on “Making the Change: A Straight Talk About Leaving the Government.” 🌟 🔍 Discussion Topics: What was it you feared most about leaving? What do you miss from your time of service? Lessons learned and advice for others considering the change. Join us for an open, candid conversation with professionals who have successfully navigated this major life shift. Gain valuable insights and network with individuals who share your journey. 🎟️ Cost: $40 (Non-refundable) 🍽️ Includes: Parking, continental breakfast, and an invaluable exchange of information and networking. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enrich your perspective and connect with like-minded individuals. Your unique experiences and insights are what make this event special. 👉 Register Now: https://lnkd.in/eFN5Ddyc #Fedpreneur #TransitioningMilitary #FederalGovernment #Entrepreneurship #CareerChange #Veterans #Startups #Networking #CareerDevelopment #MilitaryTransition #GovToBusiness #FedToFounder #Innovation #Leadership #ITAvailability

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This call is critical to the defense of our nation and the world. Rapid #modernization is a key factor for mission success! As industry partners we understand the complexity of budgetary requirements and providing an exceptional solution for our end users. #ausa #armynationalguard #collaborate #modernization #solutionprovider

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In this video Major General Carruthers (Assistant Adjutant General Commander Florida Army National Guard) takes the time to explain and highlight the benefits of attending Final Formation. Please share this with a battle buddy who is nearing ETS and is undecided on reenlisting or leaving the military. Next Event is tentatively September 7th 2024. Please check with your Readiness NCO incase there are any changes. The Final Formation is an event organized by the Florida Army National Guard for soldiers nearing their Expiration Term of Service (ETS). This event offers a platform for reenlistment with exceptional benefits. Eligible soldiers could receive bonuses, although it's important to note that these bonuses are specific to certain Military Occupational Specialties (MOS). Please consult your Readiness NCO to see if you qualify. Additionally, the event provides opportunities to explore new units and MOSs. It's important to understand that attending the Final Formation does not guarantee these opportunities, but it is highly encouraged to attend. Attending can help you seek out any potential opportunities that could allow you to continue serving the great state of Florida. Furthermore, it's possible to address these incentives directly at your unit before attending the Final Formation. We strongly encourage you to collaborate with your Readiness NCO in advance to see how they can assist you. #nationalguard #armynationalguard https://lnkd.in/dGaZUpip

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