Issues of Transparency

The past 72 hours has been a period where issues of openness have dominated the news.  Although transparency was not the headline-grabbing point, it has found itself the bottom line theme in each of the three cases. 

Dominating this week’s events has been the wikileaks.org disclosure of classified documents pertaining to the current war in Afghanistan.  For the most part this story is much ado about nothing.  The vast majority of military operational intelligence summaries and after action reports outside the United States involves some level of classified status.  And in the case of these reports, they provide a nauseous lineup of abbreviated situation reports, after action reports, and ambiguous speculation of interviewed civilians.  Fortunately, the published information was not at the Top Secret or above levels . . . this time.  According to the media talking heads this is the work of an intel analyst disgruntled with the conduct of the war in Afghanistan.  That’s fine, we’re all entitled to our opinion, but there are means in place to address such issues.  There is a more effective route of protected disclosure better suited to handle the individual’s issues – unless, of course, you are harboring a more profitable agenda than doing the right thing.

The drama continues to evolve with BP as CEO Tony Hayward steps down and is replaced by Robert Dudley.  How did this all happen?  BP’s arrogance and attempt at slight-at-hand damage control proved ineffective for what will no doubt find its way into history books as the worse manmade disaster against nature.  What BP didn’t count on was the ruthless accountability of the American federal, state, and local governments – not to mention the watchdog efforts of the US media.  The petroleum board of directors should have taken the bull by the horns and addressed their problem immediately while simultaneously providing full assistance to the local communities – that’s just what good neighbors do.  More importantly, the multinational corporation should have been upfront with the world as to what they could or could not do, and not hide behind shroud their lawyers and the “we’re here for you” media campaign they recklessly tossed out to the American people.  Having recently flown over the effected area, this mess is going to impact the southern US shores for decades to come – long after BP executives have their lives back.

The 36,000 citizens of the Central California town of Bell are in an uproar over the disclosure of the out of control pay hikes for its city leaders.  A civic government is supposed to be of the people, for the people.  As a result, and especially in this case, there should have been a transparency of actions and accountability to the community it supports.  Then again, how did the voters allow such actions to occur over several years?  Were there no oversight or other checks and balances in place from the citizens or local unions that make up the government employee base?  Am sure this unfortunate incident has inspired an active community involvement in all future government and local political issues.

Stepping Into Retirement

Sooner or later it all lines up – the job, the time, the planets – it all comes together and BINGO, its retirement. No BlackBerry, no looming deadlines, no job. And yes, this time has come yet again to the Carlson household, only this time to me.

Okay, so now what?

The party aside – which I might note was an awesome performance by Team Carlson – it was off to Hawaii with my child bride to decompress, attend to self-reflection of this road I’m headed, and provide time to return to healthy lifestyle. Although the agenda was full of activities the main effort focused on rest and transitioning to the new lifestyle. Coming from a career of high OPTEMPO, systems and processes to sustain this choice of life was the norm. Consequently, the work comes to adapting this means and direction to the transition was more from habit, but also the cause and effect of transition headaches.

The most helpful realization through this time is actually pretty simple – A new life means a new way of doing things.

And one last good thing about retirement is the unconstrained time and environment to post more on my blog site. As such, over the next couple of months will be an ongoing series of updates, commentary and whatever regarding my tour with the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum & Bugle Corps.

See you next time.

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.

New Year's Resolutions

Another new year is upon us, and with it comes the age-old tradition of making resolutions and sweating on a stack of bibles this will be the year of change! And along with those annual bursts of epiphanies come the other age-old tradition . . . breaking the goals we set for ourselves in that moment of enlightenment.

Often New Year’s resolutions are mentioned in the same breath as the words “stupid,” “waste of time,” and “BS.” Not to mention discussions of resolutions also carry comment tails of “I make ‘em, I break ‘em, so why do ‘em;” “they are too hard;” and “I am too involved in life to keep at them.”

Well, yeah. Look at how the average person goes about making their resolutions: “I want to be rich,” “I want to lose weight,” or “I want to spend more time with family.” When you look at them in those terms why not those in “Bring about world peace” and “save the whales?” How different are those to achieve than say, “I want to lose weight?” It sounds crazy, but these are not realistic without some sort of focus. What we too often do is provide ourselves a vision to aspire to and not a realistic goal we could ever hope to achieve. And the only one who achieves anything is the local fitness center around this time of year.

Why do resolutions? Hey, it’s tradition! But more importantly, this annual exercise of self-reflection provides a spark of hope, and this is not a bad thing. It’s this spark that helps set direction for the future and motivates many of us to wake up in the morning. So, why not fuel this spark into a fire of comfort and direction for our lives?

Here’s the first New Year’s resolution: Make your resolution realistic and obtainable. To do this doesn’t mean a laundry list of low hanging fruit, such as go to work, feed the dog & kids, etc. Lets take a look at our ambiguous list we noted above and pick “Save the whales.” We now make this a goal for 2010. Next we set objectives that will feed into our goal. Remember the “baby steps” from the movie “What about Bob?” For the purposes of this exercise lets list our objectives as: 1) Contribute $20 each month to a ‘Save the Whales’ foundation, 2) Take the family to Monterey Bay each fall for the running of the whales, and 3) Write one of your congressional representatives once every three months to support ‘Save the Whales’ legislation. Are these realistic and obtainable, or maybe with a few adjustments can they be doable within the constraints of your lifestyle or situation?

As you can see, resolutions can be doable if YOU allow it to happen. This maybe a silly tradition, but it also offers hope. So, don’t extinguish the spark – carry on the tradition.

So, what does my resolutions for 2010 look like? Actually, I only have one – To save the world, one starfish at a time.

Rush Hour in the Comstock

When you trek the outback of Nevada you never know what you'll run into, or come running across you. When Stephen King wrote "Desperation" readers were aghast, but folks out here just sorta shrugged their shoulders . . . and wondered if any of their neighbors were included in the cast of characters.

And it ain't just the aliens that fly low and slow through our neighborhood. Seems everyone marks us off for their final approach, and we don't seem to much care.

Veteran's Day 2009

Today we honor veterans in uniform and those who have gone before us to answer the bugle’s call. As well, this is a day when we pause to reflect and honor the memory of the fallen warriors – who paid the ultimate sacrifice. There is an inscription on one of the memorials at Arlington National Cemetery that is one of the greatest tributes I have found to these special men and women who cannot join but in spirit:

Not for fame or reward, not for place or rank, not lured by ambition or goaded by necessity, but in simple obedience to duty, as they understood it, these men suffered all, sacrificed all, dared all and died.

Today, thousands of young people answer the bugle’s call from every state and every territory of this great nation. They come from all walks of life. They represent our best and our brightest. They are patriotic to the core; they all recognize the special mission their country has entrusted to them. Today’s Army, in the midst of transformation, is changing the way it does business to become a more flexible, powerful, and responsive organization. But one thing never needing to transform, is the indomitable spirit of the American Soldier. Our Soldiers personify the values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage. They also are fully aware of the special risks they have been asked to take, just like every other generation of Americans. But without a doubt, they are the best educated, best equipped, and best trained Soldiers this nation has ever produced.

In recent weeks much of the world begs to defer with me. Events have taken place that brings to question the true faith and allegiance of its military to the minds of the American people. Well, I am here to tell you, if you believe that you are wrong. The activity at Abu Ghraib was of a group that should be held fully accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Furthermore, those individuals are not indicative of the fine men and women that fill the ranks of our armed forces. Our men and women are doing you proud every minute of every hour of every day that they stand in harm’s way. Fine Soldiers like SPC Brian Robinson, from Henderson, NV, who was literally blown out of a two and a half ton truck that ran over a mine in Northwest Baghdad. His main concern during the medical evacuation was the fear of letting down his teammates because he wasn’t going to be there to help them anymore. Or like SGT Henry Lujan, from Las Vegas, NV, who, after driving over an explosive device, drove his burning vehicle to lead the rest of the convoy to safety. Only after assurances that all convoy members were safe did he allow himself medical treatment.

Just as the World War II memorial testifies to the spirit and sacrifice of the Greatest Generation, each day of the Global War on Terrorism is a testament to the selfless service of today’s fighting forces. Today’s generation of veterans honors the legacy of those who fought and sacrificed for our nation by following their example of personal courage. They place the mission first, they never accept defeat, they never quit, and they will never leave a fallen comrade. This warrior spirit carries them onward, continually strengthening their resolve to fight those who threaten our freedom. Just as World War II Soldiers faced a long, hard road to victory over tyranny, today’s Soldiers are just as determined to defeat terrorism.

The men and women of the armed forces are not macho men and super women – they are the teen who delivered the morning newspaper, baby sat the kids, bagged the groceries, provided the smile with the coffee. Just ordinary men and women who hold their heads a little higher. They are citizens who attend UNR and UNLV; they are housewives and casino workers; they are members of Reno Police Department, Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, and troopers for the Nevada Highway Patrol. They live in Carson City, Reno, Sparks, Elko, Ely, and Las Vegas. But, within the blink of an eye, the bugle sounded and they responded. On hold went families and lives, dreams and ambitions. They are just ordinary people with life experiences that will never allow them to be the same again.

I would like to close with a short eulogy for a Memorial service conducted too years ago this month in a desolate stretch of desert 15,000 miles from here:

Cry to me,

My mother’s son;

Tell me how it is;

Tell me of trumpet sounds,

And battles won,

And legends come and gone.

If the winds sweep east,

And the bugle sounds,

Will these dreams come true?

Or will blood flow free,

And tears run dry,

Upon Armageddon’s darkened ground.

So, my father’s boy,

Is the manhood really there?

Or is it dreams and want-to-be’s,

On which men have bet their lives.

For you have taken the road less traveled,

And answered the bugle’s call.