Wright Brothers National Memorial (NC)
Historic Aircraft Highlight Aviation's Impact on Military
Clear, blue skies on Monday provided a perfect backdrop for the
events of the day, which centered on aviation's impact on the military.
An impressive number of military planes soared overhead, watched
by a record crowd of 23,700 people, the largest number of visitors ever
to come to the park. The "Protecting the Home of the Brave" program
featured flyovers and static displays of military aircraft. Some of the
world's best pilots dazzled the crowd with a progression of military
technology, from pre-World I through the Gulf War.
Planes that
flew during the day included F-15, F-14, and F-18 fighters; historic
T-6, T-34, T-37, T-38, T-1 and AT-38 trainers; and an array of utility
aircraft, including the E-2C, E-8, CH-46, CH-53, and C-130.
A
highlight of the day was a flight by the new V-22 Osprey, a high-speed,
long-range, vertical lift aircraft that can take off and land like a
helicopter and fly like an airplane.
The aerial show also
included skydiving demonstrations by the U.S. Air Force Academy's Wings
of Blue team and a helicopter rescue demonstration by the Coast Guard.
The main stage performance was made by country singer Aaron
Tippin. A one-time commercial airline pilot, Tippin sang such tunes as
"Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly" and "You've Got to Stand
for Something."
[Submitted by Nancy Gray, IO Eastern IMT]
OPERATIONAL NOTES
Office of International Affairs
Memorandum: "Clairification on the Approval Process for Proposed International Travel and Projects"
Electronic Memo
No Hard Copy to Follow
A3821(0050)
Memorandum
To: All Employees
From: Deputy Director Murphy /signed/
Subject: Clarification on the Approval Process for Proposed International Travel
and Projects
In late October, the National Park Service held a six month review of the Service's International Strategic Plan. During the review, which was attended by representatives from all seven regions and WASO Associates, it was decided that clarification was needed on how decisions are made about which international projects and programs parks should participate in, and who has the final approval on proposed international travel and projects.
One of the most important outcomes of the strategic plan is the agreement by all in the Service on the "evaluation factors" (listed below) used to determine if an international project or travel is justified. Once that agreement is reached then parks have the responsibility for determining if projects they are considering meet the agreed upon factors. When the request comes to the NPS Office of International Affairs (OIA) and then to my office for approval we evaluate the extent to which the factors have been addressed and I make a final determination as whether or not the proposed travel or project merits approval. Individual parks and regional offices should have the lead role in determining what international travel/projects they will support, not WASO or OIA. The only caveat is that the parks and regional offices must use the evaluation factors we have all agreed to as a result of the strategic planning process. This way we retain maximum flexibility, while at the same time ensuring that our international programs produce measurable results for both the National Park Service and our international partners.
Evaluation Factors for NPS International Travel/Project Proposals
All NPS international travel requests should be accompanied by a justification memo which describes specifically how the proposed travel addresses the following factors:
• Established relationship with a country or organization; in most cases, a formal
agreement
• Demonstrable results
• Significant potential for capacity building in the country
• Urgent and compelling need
• Shared natural or cultural features
• Issues of common concern
• Important to U.S. foreign policy
• Potential for effective follow-through
• Discernible benefits to U.S. parks and NPS
• Cost-effective
• Cost sharing with another country or partner(s)
• Is NPS the best agency to do the project?
Proposed NPS international travel to attend conferences will receive the highest level of scrutiny to ensure that such travel provides benefits to the entire Service, not just the individual traveler. Generally speaking, NPS employees wishing to attend such conferences should strive to locate outside funding to support this type of international travel.
Remember that except in emergency situations, all international travel proposals must be received in the Office of International Affairs at least five weeks ahead of the proposed departure date.
For more information on the NPS International Strategic Plan and/or international travel procedures, call or email Sharon Cleary (Sharon_Cleary@nps.gov, 202-354-1800) or go to the OIA "InsideNPS" website at http://inside.nps.gov/programs/division.cfm?div=28&page=home
[Submitted by Sharon Cleary or Jon Putnam, Sharon_Cleary@nps.gov, 202-354-1800] More Information...
PARKS AND PEOPLE
Visitor and Resource Protection
Passing of Wes Henry
Wes Henry, the spirited and deeply passionate leader of the Service's wilderness program, died yesterday following more than two years of struggling against a cancer that would not relinquish its grip on him. His family was at his side. Wes began working for the Department of Interior as an outdoor recreation planner in BLM in the spring of 1979. In 1985, he took a position as a budget analyst for the National Park Service in Washington, then became a natural resource specialist in the Ranger Activities Division in 1990. He remained in that position for the next 13 years, working hard on wilderness management issues almost to the last. During that time, he also dealt with difficult and frequently contentious park overflight issues. No short summation can do justice to his dedication to his work, as all those of us who were privileged to work with him can attest. A memorial service is being arranged with the family to celebrate Wes' career and the lasting contributions he made to the wilderness system, natural soundscapes, and other areas. Details on the service and where you can send condolences will appear as soon as they are available. Requiem in pace, Wes...
[Submitted by Karen Taylor-Goodrich, Associate Director, with reports from Rick Potts, Carhart National Wilderness Training Center, and the editor]
Midwest Region
Ken Schaefer to Retire in January
After nearly 36 years of Federal Service, Ken Schaefer, interim Superintendent of Jefferson National Expansion Memorial and Ulysses S. Grant NHS is retiring effective January 3, 2004.
Ken began his Federal career with military service in the U.S. Navy (1966-69). While going to college, Ken worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Soil Conservation Service part time. Upon graduation in 1972, Ken accepted his first permanent position with the Park Service at the Midwest Regional Office in Omaha, Nebraska. Several years later he became Regional Personnel Officer, and in 1992 was assigned to the position of Deputy Superintendent at "the Arch" and completed his career there as Superintendent.
When asked recently what he was going to do after he retired, Ken said, "whatever I feel like." He'll reside with his wife, Susan, in the Omaha, Nebraska area. He plans to do a little hunting, fishing, traveling, babysitting of the grandchildren; and if he becomes bored enough, he said he "was going to run for State Senator." Ken said you need 2 qualifications for State Senator. First you need to have the time (which he will); and second, you don't need to know anything (which he doesn't). Ken said he met both qualifications!!!
A farewell get-together will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2003, from 5:00 to 7:30 P.M. in the rotunda of the Old Courthouse, 11 North 4th St., St. Louis, Missouri.
If you would like additional information or would like to send a note to Ken, please contact Victoria Dugan at 314-655-1611 or victoria_dugan@nps.gov.
[Submitted by Victoria Dugan, victoria_dugan@nps.gov, 314-655-1611 ]
Submission standards for the Morning Report can be found on the left side of the front page of InsideNPS. All reports should be submitted via email to Bill Halainen at Delaware Water Gap NRA, with a copy to your regional office and a copy to Dennis Burnett in Division of Law Enforcement and Emergency Services, WASO.
Prepared by the Division of Law Enforcement and Emergency Services, WASO, with the cooperation and support of Delaware Water Gap NRA.