Requiescat In Pacem: Fleming Begaye, Sr., US Marine, Navajo Code Talker
Fleming Begaye Sr., World War II United States Marine Navajo Code Talker has died on the Navajo Nation Reservation at Chinle, Arizona. There are now seven remaining elite World War II United States Marines - Navajo Code Talkers alive. So, for an exceedingly short time in our history as a nation, I will be able to tell my grandchildren that yes, it's true that Heroes of this Marine's stature still walk the Earth.
United States K9 Veteran's Day March 13th 2018
Infosecurity.US Salutes Our United States K9 Armed Forces Veteran Dogs Today, March 13th 2018 on the Occasion of K9 Veteran's Day.
Hunting Poachers, AI Style →
Today's feature post contains two fundamentally related stories that possess an equanamity of import. Yet the latter of the two is closer to my interests in animal welfare and illustrates US Veteran engagements training rangers and fighting poachers on the savannahs and in the forests of Africa. Read On, and see which is the most important to you; in either case, you be the judge!
Via Jean Kumagai, writing at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers' Spectrum Magazine, details the utilization of artificial intelligence in the effort to curtail pachyderm poaching. Simply Outstanding.
"AI is usually applied to problems of modern technology, Tambe notes, but this work is different. “We’re using AI to save the natural world—these stunning landscapes and animals that we hope won’t disappear,” he says. “These are important treasures.” - via Jean Kumagai, writing at the IEEE Spectrum Magazine
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"The Story of VETPAW: Ryan Tate has always had two primary passions, and a desire to protect both: his country and animals. As it did for many brave Americans, the call to serve grew louder after the attacks of 9/11.Ryan signed enlistment papers to the U.S. Marine Corps that same year, with a commitment to join “the few, the proud” on his 18th birthday.Several years later, Ryan was exposed to the atrocities of elephant and rhino poaching, and the devastation it was having on East African communities and wildlife alike. He knew he couldn’t sit idly by. All he had to do was consider the men and women he’d served with to see that there is no one better suited to instruct and train park rangers than post-9/11 veterans.Ryan is keenly aware that many U.S. Veterans are un- or underemployed, and would benefit profoundly from the opportunity to serve in another capacity—one that would save lives. With his military experience, he’s able to speak directly to the unique skills that veterans can bring to anti-poaching efforts. He interviewed his colleagues and saw the difficulties and frustrations of men and women who are highly skilled in combat-related areas, but unable to leverage those skills in a conventional civilian setting. They have a continuing dedication to serve others, and Ryan helps them channel it." - via VetPaw
Phenomenal →
Via the United States Naval Sea Systems Command OCC comes the astonishing story of Associate Director Sarkis Tatigian of the Department of the Navy Small Business Program Office. Associate Director Tatigian just received an award from NAVSEA and a tribute from Senator John McCain and the United States Congress for 75 years of faithful service to the United States Navy (both as a civilian and in uniform).
Associate Director Tatigian is currently 94 years of age. He has no plans for retirement. A Veteran of WWII, a member of the Greatest Generation and a National Treasure, if there ever was one.
From the Congressional Record (CCREC-2017-09-12-pt1-PgS5213-3) and the words of United States Senator John McCain:
TRIBUTE TO SARKIS TATIGIAN
Mr. MCCAIN. - Mr. President, I come to the floor today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Sarkis Tatigian, who will achieve the extraordinary milestone of 75 years of combined military and civilian service to the United States on September 26, 2017. Eligible for retirement since 1973, Mr. Tatigian has continued to honor America through his faithful service. Currently the associate director of the Small Business Programs Office at Naval Sea Systems Command, NAVSEA, Mr. Tatigian is a champion for our Navy, our small business community, and our country.
Mr. Tatigian began his civilian career with the Navy in July 1942 as a junior radio inspector at the naval aircraft factory in the Philadelphia Navy Yard and the Navy Office of Inspector of Naval Aircraft in Linden, NJ. He left his position as an inspector in March 1943 and entered the uniformed Navy as an Active-Duty sailor in April 1943. In June 1944, as an aviation electronics technician’s mate, he aided in the development of the Navy’s first guided antiship munition, the ASM-N–2 ‘‘BAT’’ glide bomb, which later became an operational weapon in January 1945.
In 1943, Mr. Tatigian began his Federal civil service with NAVSEA, where he still works today. Throughout his long career, he has received numerous awards, including the Navy’s Superior Civilian Service Award in 2007. In rec- ognition of his exceptional accomplishments in service, the Navy has even named an award after him, the Sarkis Tatigian Small Business Award, which recognizes outstanding performance through organizational culture and command climate.
At 95 years young, Mr. Tatigian’s dedication and resolve are inspirational. We can all learn a great deal about service to country and the Amer- ican spirit from his great example. On behalf of a grateful nation, thank you, Mr. Sarkis Tatigian, for all you have done for our people, our government, and our Navy.
Requiescat in Pace, Howard Schmidt
Howard Schmidt, Former Supervisory Special Agent, Director of Computer Crime and Information Warfare, AF OSI, Former CSO Microsoft Corporation, Former Chairman of White House Critical Infrastructure Protection Board, VP and CISO eBay Inc., Special Agent, United States Army CID (Reserves), Law Enforcement Officer Chandler Police Department Arizona.
May He Rest In Peace.
DARPA's Therapeutic Implantable Memory →
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has announced an astounding project targeting implantable memory prosthetics to assist service-members and other patients whose memory has suffered degradation due to PTSD. Outstanding.