During a “DODLive” bloggers round table, Navy Rear Adm. Philip H. Cullom, director of energy and environmental readiness for the Chief of Naval Operations, says, “It’s not just about natural security, because that’s what most people think of when they think about going green. Our energy program also strengthens national security.”

The Navy’s goal is to not just limit them to one source of energy, such as petroleum. By going green, it creates various sources. By 2020, they would like to have 50 percent of total Navy Department energy consumption to come from different energy sources. They would also like to reduce the use of petroleum in the non-tactical commercial fleet by 50 percent and to evaluate energy factors

They hope that working with the Air Force and the Coast Guard will help them on the path to become greener, and leave that “green footprint.”

More information at www.defense.gov.

On Sunday night (Oct 31) , 23 year-old Sgt. Ryan Lekosky was attacked while he and his wife were walking along Dauphine Street in the Quarter after celebrating the service’s 235th birthday at a formal ball at the New Orleans Marriott on Canal Street. A man allegedly pulled over right next to them, shouting inappropriate remarks at his wife. They then got in an altercation and Lekosky stepped in and defended her.

As reported by the police, (Sgt. Lekosky) sustained several stab wounds while trying to break up the fight.”

He survived combat in Iraq, but was murdered, in uniform, in the French Quarter.   In honor of this fallen Marine, we post the flag of the United States at half-staff, along with the U.S. Marine Emblem.

For more information go to Military.com.

For more than 60 years, the VA and the G.I. Bill has provided Veterans and Active Duty personnel the ability to get a home loan without the need of a down-payment while providing the backing of the U.S. Government.  On November 1, 2010, the VA announced that it is now backing 19 millions home loans.  The GI market has also had the lowest foreclosure and lowest delinquency rates over the past 9 and 6 quarters respectively, as compared to the rest of the housing industry including prime loans.   For more information , please see the VA Press Release here.

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The Lost Heroes Art Quilt hangs at the Indiana State Capitol building in Indianapolis, Oct. 25, 2010. The contemporary art quilt, which includes one fallen hero’s picture from each of the 50 United States, honors those who gave their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan since 9/11. U.S. Army photo by Spc. John Cosby.

This is a simple but moving tribute. RIP

Being far away from home, and especially if deployed in a combat zone, is hard not only on the service person, but also on the family and especially the little ones at home.  An organization has created a military program that allows deployed parents to read to their kids via a DVD.  According to its’ website:

“The United Through Reading® Military Program helps ease the stress of separation for military families by having deployed parents read children’s books aloud via DVD for their child to watch at home.“

The program is pretty straight forward.  The service member reads a book while he/she is been recorded, and the DVD is sent to the child at home, who reads along or listens.  The parent at home records that session as well and sends their DVD to their loved one far away.

Seems like a great way to keep some sense of normalcy, while making a kid smile and boosting morale.  If you are interested in participating, please go to the United Through Reading website for more details.

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Visit the VCA blog site daily for VCA updates, calendar of events, photos, reminders and other news of interest.

Adam Gadahn, a U.S. born representative for al- Quaida, posted a 48-minute long video on militant websites concerning attacks in the U.S. Speaking in Arabic, he stated that Muslims living in United States and Europe should carry out attacks where they are, referring to it as a “duty and an obligation.”

Before Gadahn moved to Pakistan in 1998, he resided on a farm in California. While he was still living in California, he converted to Islam. When he moved to Pakistan it was said that he attended an al- Qaida training camp.

The FBI has been hunting Gadahn since 2004.

For more details, please visit Military.com.