Final TDY (Chapter 1)

Earth Date: 03.28.2010.

This morning marks the conclusion of the first leg of my final significant TDY for this long career.

The first stop was Camp Atterbury, IN. Located off of Interstate 65 south of Indianapolis, this is the site of one of the military’s projection platforms – more commonly referred to by Soldiers as a mobilization station. Not exactly one of our favorite support bases, but they have been good to Nevada units.

First on the agenda was to welcome home the 1/221^st Cavalry Squadron home from a year in Afghanistan. It was good to see them back and intact. It had been a long year in some of the most difficult of circumstances. A tear defining moment was the arrival of the wounded so they could cross the finish line with their band of brothers. Warriors all, they came together for the spurs ceremony – the last formation before four elements of the squadron returned to their homes in Guam, Arizona, Arkansas, and Georgia.

A trying moment was the lack of interest from the leadership of the Arkansas and Georgia elements to welcome their Soldiers home from a year in Afghanistan. These troops stepped forward to give their all, but obviously urgent matters were pressing elsewhere. Fortunately, these warriors know they will always have an adopted home in Nevada.

In a surprise early arrival the 1864^th Transportation Company landed from theater a couple of days early! They were in fine spirits, but a bit sleepy from the 18-hour flight. A lot of smiles and hugs – they are glad to be back home.

Prior to the arrival of the 1864^th the isolated terminal was used by the Indiana Pacers’ NBA basketball team to board their charter to a game in Atlanta against the Hawks.

It was nice some of them took the time to come over and talk with us. But, for the most part we weren’t too impressed. I mean it’s not like they were from the UConn Girl’s Basketball team – after all, this is March Madness.

This leg also marked the last major event with the command team. The moment was celebrated – as only a military can do – with the hoist of Silver Petron to the last couple of years together. Okay, so there were three hoists, but we were no worse the wear the next morning.

A sentimental moment? Oh hell no. I’m worried about pacing myself to survive this globetrotting experience. I figure with the many time zones incorporated into this trip I should be able to dodge the jet lag bullet – stay tuned for more.

Thoughts on Nevada Economic Crisis

The Silver State is in the mist of an economic crisis, much of which, for a variety of reasons, is self-inflicted. What further compounds the pain of this situation – it’s an election year.

Consequently, this is now a time when any hope of consensus or compromise is only a faint glimmer at best. Too often civic and government leaders address the issues and recommendation proposals from political-centric points of view, and not with the realism of individuals and families who must pinch pennies to survive. This self-centered approach to decision-making further depreciates the effectiveness for viable solutions by not addressing the needs for tomorrow. So, not only must we look at the impact of immediate fixes, but also formulate the look of our future.

So, what is the road to economic recovery? What its not is the usual political diatribe that insults the intelligence of people in need of hope and direction for a brighter future. This is a time for all – yes, all – options to be placed on the public table for transparent decision-making. Unfortunately, this can only be done when elected officials remember their role is “for the people” and NOT “for the party.”

First and foremost, the paradigm of casinos as the cash cow must be broken. Although the casino footprint continues to grow on the Las Vegas Strip, what is their qualifying contribution to the long-term health of Nevada? 2009 saw the statewide loss of approximately 25,000 employees and a 13-percent drop in revenue. Yes, they do provide a gainful source of employment for many, but they also serve as the chief contributor to Nevada’s transient population. So we have to ask ourselves – how does this contribute long-term to a stable tax base?

Here are some other “DOs” and “DON’Ts” to be considered as a common sense approach to our economic survival and recovery way ahead.

Education is an investment in our future. We must look beyond the current crisis to create solutions for tomorrow. Placing significant financial cuts on the education system is nothing more than using a band-aid to mediate a sucking chest wound. We should be aggressively looking for ways to create and enable our potential both as a state and the future generations. Furthermore, we are missing the boat in attracting corporations who invest in their people as well as their organizational growth.

We must attract a quality workforce to our state agencies. The focus must be on attracting a workforce competitive with private sector corporations, then holding them accountable for keeping state on the cutting edge of best practices and adding to the potential coffers. Yes, maybe we do pay state employees at a higher level than other states, but then we should be demanding performance levels that equate to their paychecks.

State facility management and inventory is out of control. A couple of years ago, based on the governor’s call to stand up a Project Challenge program for disadvantaged youth, efforts were made to house the program in an existing state owned building. Unfortunately, the state property managers were not fully aware of what they had available and those provided as options, upon inspection, were found to be well beyond acceptable levels for human occupancy. So, the question becomes – why are taxpayers paying to hold condemnable buildings and facilities? And we must not forget the recent newspaper reports these same managers of state resources had no idea the extent of building and office leases the state is paying for.

Concur with Steven Horsford to put Nevada money in Nevada banks. The state should take a “Nevada First” attitude in dealing with our resources as well as business practices. You would think this just makes good sense – nuff said.

Don’t close Nevada’s state parks – you put the burden on county governments. One of the key icons for the Silver State is the natural beauty that is Nevada. Furthermore, if anything, this is the legacy we leave for future generations. So why allow the natural wonders that define who we are to be victimized by this self-imposed crisis?

Wake up, Nevada. Until we can tackle this economic situation with a no nonsense, realistic approach we are destined to change ourselves from the land of open skies and free spirits to the destitute land of stagnant futures.