WEBVTT 00:00.090 --> 00:00.923 - Town Hall. 00:00.923 --> 00:03.740 I'm honored to be here with my wife, Martha. 00:03.740 --> 00:06.690 Sergeant Major Zickefoose and his wife Tasha. 00:06.690 --> 00:09.400 We're also joined by Mr. Marty Vannatter 00:09.400 --> 00:12.170 who's the commander of our garrison here 00:12.170 --> 00:16.370 in Miami, at SOUTHCOM Headquarters. 00:16.370 --> 00:19.630 This is really about all of us, about our SOUTHCOM team. 00:19.630 --> 00:21.340 So joining us tonight we have 00:23.001 --> 00:26.260 the security cooperation teams from all the countries, 00:26.260 --> 00:28.950 from our 22 countries and our embassies. 00:28.950 --> 00:29.990 So welcome. 00:29.990 --> 00:31.770 We have our components. 00:31.770 --> 00:33.770 We have the Navy from Mayport, NAVSOUTH. 00:34.760 --> 00:38.270 We have Marines, MARFORSOUTH, here in Doral. 00:38.270 --> 00:40.170 We have SOCSOUTH in Homestead. 00:40.170 --> 00:42.640 We have Army South out in Texas. 00:42.640 --> 00:45.490 And we have Air Force South in Arizona. 00:45.490 --> 00:47.550 So great to have the component commanders here. 00:47.550 --> 00:50.730 We also have our Joint Task Force dialed in. 00:50.730 --> 00:53.520 We have JIATF South in Key West. 00:53.520 --> 00:57.320 We have Joint Task Force Guantanamo Bay in Cuba, 00:57.320 --> 01:00.217 Detention Center of Excellence, dialed in tonight. 01:00.217 --> 01:03.200 And we have Joint Task Force Bravo from Soto Cano. 01:03.200 --> 01:05.210 So this is about connecting all the team. 01:05.210 --> 01:09.730 About providing an opportunity for families, team members, 01:09.730 --> 01:14.440 to get some feedback, as we talk about what's been happening 01:14.440 --> 01:16.220 in this great year that we've had, 01:16.220 --> 01:18.920 and take a little peek out in the future. 01:18.920 --> 01:20.160 We really want your questions. 01:20.160 --> 01:22.720 So there's a number of ways to have questions. 01:22.720 --> 01:25.920 You can dial them in, go Facebook, send an email. 01:25.920 --> 01:28.060 We have folks standing by to take your questions. 01:28.060 --> 01:30.090 We'll answer them live. 01:30.090 --> 01:32.900 Whatever we can't answer, don't have the answer for, 01:32.900 --> 01:34.190 we run outta time to answer, 01:34.190 --> 01:36.713 'cause we are gonna stick to one-hour limit, 01:36.713 --> 01:39.560 we will provide answer later and post it up online. 01:39.560 --> 01:40.840 Again, this is about feedback, 01:40.840 --> 01:43.610 it's about us, it's about our team. 01:43.610 --> 01:48.070 Our number one message, for everybody tonight is thank you. 01:48.070 --> 01:50.760 We're grateful for your service, for your sacrifices, 01:50.760 --> 01:53.340 for your family's service and sacrifice. 01:53.340 --> 01:57.150 It is a team effort that goes into completing our mission. 01:57.150 --> 01:57.983 And this holiday season, 01:57.983 --> 02:00.370 it's important for all of us to thank each other 02:00.370 --> 02:02.090 and be grateful for the blessings we have, 02:02.090 --> 02:04.500 the opportunities that we have to serve, 02:04.500 --> 02:07.140 the opportunities that we create by our service 02:07.140 --> 02:08.270 and completing our mission. 02:08.270 --> 02:11.070 That's our number one message to everybody. 02:11.070 --> 02:13.670 But wanna shine a spotlight on some of that good work. 02:13.670 --> 02:14.610 So over the past year, 02:14.610 --> 02:18.060 we've developed a strategy and we're moving out. 02:18.060 --> 02:21.323 This is a partner strategy, 02:21.323 --> 02:23.900 emphasize the importance of partnerships, 02:23.900 --> 02:27.860 but also the absolute necessity for us to counter threats. 02:27.860 --> 02:30.060 It also talks about building our team. 02:30.060 --> 02:33.410 It's back at us, all of us, and the importance 02:33.410 --> 02:38.170 of people number one, and we're trying to walk that talk, 02:38.170 --> 02:40.910 in our strategy in our campaign plans. 02:40.910 --> 02:43.596 So strengthening partnerships, countering threats, 02:43.596 --> 02:46.080 building our team are three lines of effort 02:46.080 --> 02:49.640 that we organize all our activities, our investments around 02:49.640 --> 02:51.280 to move this great command forward. 02:51.280 --> 02:54.010 So we have a strategy, we have a campaign plan, 02:54.010 --> 02:56.883 we have a campaign plan order that hit the streets today. 02:57.740 --> 03:01.152 All the elements are there for us to have one play book, 03:01.152 --> 03:04.600 from which to organize and move forward 03:04.600 --> 03:06.600 to make a difference in this hemisphere. 03:06.600 --> 03:10.080 And this is an important hemisphere, it's our neighborhood, 03:10.080 --> 03:12.290 our friends and neighbors, we share values, 03:12.290 --> 03:16.310 we share all domains that we fight and win in, 03:16.310 --> 03:19.110 sea, air, land, space, and cyber, 03:19.110 --> 03:21.890 but more important, and most important is the values. 03:21.890 --> 03:24.400 These are our neighbors, they're our friends, they're us, 03:24.400 --> 03:27.050 and we're interconnected so many different ways. 03:27.050 --> 03:29.870 I wanna focus a little on building our team. 03:29.870 --> 03:34.700 We've undertaken some initiatives across the force 03:34.700 --> 03:38.440 to try to really help and bring resources to bear, 03:38.440 --> 03:41.370 provide information and enhance knowledge of this effort. 03:41.370 --> 03:45.120 So our family forward effort, designed 03:45.120 --> 03:47.650 to get our security cooperation teams 03:47.650 --> 03:49.840 and their families and our senior defense officials 03:49.840 --> 03:52.080 integrated into the command. 03:52.080 --> 03:55.140 We've emphasized family readiness here. 03:55.140 --> 03:58.190 And we've emphasized that during our trips forward 03:58.190 --> 04:01.950 with your teams, recognizing that when we serve 04:01.950 --> 04:04.033 it's all of us that serve together. 04:06.250 --> 04:08.040 We've focused on training 04:08.040 --> 04:09.560 and I know that many of the components 04:09.560 --> 04:14.140 have embraced that either distributed throughout the day, 04:14.140 --> 04:17.010 week, month, or focused on monthly day, 04:17.010 --> 04:19.170 because it's training and education 04:19.170 --> 04:21.080 that we do for ourselves, 04:21.080 --> 04:24.510 but we also do for our countries and our partners, 04:24.510 --> 04:25.640 that's gonna make a difference. 04:25.640 --> 04:28.380 It's fundamental, it's how we change ourselves, 04:28.380 --> 04:30.760 it's how we change our team, 04:30.760 --> 04:33.460 and it's how we build life-long friendships, training. 04:34.510 --> 04:35.870 We refined our meeting schedule. 04:35.870 --> 04:40.550 Fancy word is battle rhythm, to try to buy more time back 04:40.550 --> 04:43.380 and get focus in to how we make decisions. 04:43.380 --> 04:45.630 We've looked at our manning and we've looked 04:45.630 --> 04:49.790 at our manning across the headquarters and the team 04:49.790 --> 04:53.360 because we can't afford to miss any opportunities 04:53.360 --> 04:55.010 and it all depends on people. 04:55.010 --> 04:56.880 So building our team is key 04:56.880 --> 04:59.330 and Martha's been right there with me. 04:59.330 --> 05:02.070 I'd like Martha to say a few words, Martha. 05:02.070 --> 05:03.280 - Well good evening everybody, 05:03.280 --> 05:06.970 I just wanna take an opportunity to tell you all 05:06.970 --> 05:09.110 how grateful we are to be a part 05:09.110 --> 05:14.110 of this SOUTHCOM family and team and also to thank you. 05:15.210 --> 05:17.810 No matter where we're traveling, whether it's 05:17.810 --> 05:21.320 to visit the component commands or downrange, 05:21.320 --> 05:25.380 I really appreciate the time and thought that the spouses, 05:25.380 --> 05:29.204 all the spouses have put into our visits there, 05:29.204 --> 05:32.530 giving me an opportunity to listen 05:32.530 --> 05:35.110 to your quality of life challenges. 05:35.110 --> 05:38.160 I would ask you tonight to take advantage 05:38.160 --> 05:41.970 of this opportunity and share those concerns that you have 05:41.970 --> 05:46.330 so that we can share the correct reference 05:46.330 --> 05:49.420 or resource with you and get you the help you need. 05:49.420 --> 05:53.520 And again, it's just a privilege to be a part of this team. 05:53.520 --> 05:56.440 - We all serve together and we are making a huge, 05:56.440 --> 05:58.830 positive difference for the United States, 05:58.830 --> 06:01.906 for our partners and for the future of this great, 06:01.906 --> 06:04.620 great world that we're blessed to be a part of. 06:04.620 --> 06:07.650 Part of what we do is professionalism, 06:07.650 --> 06:11.770 and the embracing non-commissioned officers, 06:11.770 --> 06:13.870 embracing human rights. 06:13.870 --> 06:16.570 Professionalism, legitimacy, 06:16.570 --> 06:18.480 that's one thing we emphasis with our partners, 06:18.480 --> 06:21.560 we emphasis it here and I've had no better partner 06:21.560 --> 06:23.930 in professional development arena, 06:23.930 --> 06:26.110 than the eyes and ears of United States Southern Command, 06:26.110 --> 06:28.150 Sergeant Major Zickefoose, Sergeant Major. 06:28.150 --> 06:29.700 - So first of all I just want to say thank you 06:29.700 --> 06:31.750 for what you do, you know it's important 06:31.750 --> 06:33.720 that we build our team every day. 06:33.720 --> 06:35.370 We get downrange, we see you all, 06:35.370 --> 06:38.540 we ask you to tell your story not only to us, 06:38.540 --> 06:39.890 but to the American people. 06:41.047 --> 06:42.443 You know we have 31 countries, 06:42.443 --> 06:45.780 7,000 marines, sailors, airmen, servicemen 06:45.780 --> 06:48.547 downrange at all times, coasties, you name it 06:48.547 --> 06:50.920 and we can't see everybody so this is an opportunity 06:50.920 --> 06:53.020 for you to reach out back to us 06:53.020 --> 06:55.350 and tell us what your concerns are, 06:55.350 --> 06:58.270 what we can do to make us better as a team. 06:58.270 --> 06:59.980 So with that being said I want 06:59.980 --> 07:03.020 to introduce my wife, my lovely wife, Tasha 07:03.020 --> 07:07.403 and she's the most valuable part of my team so, Tash. 07:08.400 --> 07:10.040 - Thanks lovebug, good evening. 07:10.040 --> 07:12.831 (all laugh) 07:12.831 --> 07:15.393 Good evening everybody as Admiral Faller, Mrs. Faller, 07:15.393 --> 07:18.540 and you know, my husband have said, Sergeant Major, 07:18.540 --> 07:20.440 is that we are truly thankful. 07:20.440 --> 07:23.660 It is amazing to be part of this family 07:23.660 --> 07:25.360 that is US Southern Command. 07:25.360 --> 07:27.120 Throughout the whole entire AOR 07:27.120 --> 07:30.020 and as we are already in full swing 07:30.020 --> 07:32.560 of the holiday season with Thanksgiving behind us, 07:32.560 --> 07:34.610 one of the things that Sergeant Major and I 07:34.610 --> 07:39.130 really, really talked about and expressed and feel 07:39.130 --> 07:41.327 is that we are thankful, we are grateful 07:41.327 --> 07:43.013 and we're extremely blessed for the family 07:43.013 --> 07:46.550 that we have here, the family we have amongst ourselves 07:46.550 --> 07:49.889 and the family that is throughout the whole entire AOR. 07:49.889 --> 07:53.200 One of the biggest things that I want 07:53.200 --> 07:55.223 to stress is the importance of family, 07:56.310 --> 07:57.900 especially during the holiday season, 07:57.900 --> 07:59.460 for some of us it's an amazing time, 07:59.460 --> 08:01.360 for some of us it's a difficult time 08:01.360 --> 08:03.793 so please make sure that you are taking care of 08:03.793 --> 08:06.116 that man and woman to your left and your right 08:06.116 --> 08:09.250 whether they are your family, whether they are your friends, 08:09.250 --> 08:10.930 whether they are your neighbors, 08:10.930 --> 08:12.850 it's one big family combined 08:12.850 --> 08:15.886 and I might sound repetitive and redundant, 08:15.886 --> 08:18.540 but family is what US Southern Command is about. 08:18.540 --> 08:20.410 So thank you. 08:20.410 --> 08:23.347 - So that being said it's about the team. 08:23.347 --> 08:25.840 The team is all of SOUTHCOM, 08:25.840 --> 08:29.560 not just a piece of it, or JTF's, or components, 08:29.560 --> 08:32.350 you know the command is one team one fight, 08:32.350 --> 08:34.640 so what we do everyday is important to all 08:34.640 --> 08:37.640 of us here so we want to hear you. 08:37.640 --> 08:40.540 - We want to hear from you so we have folks standing by 08:40.540 --> 08:43.386 to take your questions by email, by phone 08:43.386 --> 08:46.690 and we can propagate all those numbers 08:46.690 --> 08:48.950 that are out there we've already had a few questions in 08:48.950 --> 08:51.350 and we'll start rolling on answering questions 08:53.740 --> 08:58.020 and we've got some in that Marty has and I'll start, 08:58.020 --> 08:59.780 kick one off and then I'll kick it to you next Marty. 08:59.780 --> 09:04.510 So here's the question, "During all hands," 09:04.510 --> 09:06.170 and this one really applies to us 09:06.170 --> 09:10.917 but I think the lessons here we could share broadly. 09:10.917 --> 09:13.497 "We set time for recognition, farewell, 09:13.497 --> 09:15.917 "some staff, especially civilians, are retiring 09:15.917 --> 09:20.637 "from 20 years as we focus on building our team 09:20.637 --> 09:22.307 "and our people, I believe recognizing achievement 09:22.307 --> 09:24.460 "of especially civilian workers will build 09:24.460 --> 09:26.209 "a strong and more positive work environment." 09:26.209 --> 09:30.800 Yes, we can and we ask, we do all hands once a quarter 09:30.800 --> 09:32.360 and we can certainly take the time 09:32.360 --> 09:36.120 to call out the achievement of folks that are leaving 09:36.120 --> 09:39.010 and we'll put a system in place to make that happen. 09:39.010 --> 09:40.750 So thank you for that. 09:40.750 --> 09:42.160 Marty. 09:42.160 --> 09:44.063 - Sir one of the questions that we received was 09:44.063 --> 09:46.989 in reference WiFi in the gym so that 09:46.989 --> 09:49.839 folks can access the internet, stream music, 09:49.839 --> 09:52.970 virtual workouts, podcasts, audiobooks. 09:52.970 --> 09:54.560 So right now we're looking at 09:54.560 --> 09:56.581 three different courses of action for that. 09:56.581 --> 10:00.220 One of those is extending the existing network 10:00.220 --> 10:03.573 that is in the CCA over to your gym, 10:04.780 --> 10:06.681 but that would limit our capability based on 10:06.681 --> 10:10.180 if there's a classified conference going on at the CCA 10:10.180 --> 10:11.490 so that's one course of action. 10:11.490 --> 10:13.700 Course of action two is looking through 10:13.700 --> 10:15.710 the nonappropriated funds channel 10:15.710 --> 10:19.070 and establishing a network connection there in the gym 10:19.070 --> 10:22.010 and then expanding that across to the garrison. 10:22.010 --> 10:25.100 And the third and final one is establishing one 10:25.100 --> 10:27.400 in the garrison that reaches across to the gym 10:28.573 --> 10:29.650 and then looking at the funding for that. 10:29.650 --> 10:32.183 So three different (inaudible) 10:32.183 --> 10:34.523 that we're currently working through on the WiFi. 10:34.523 --> 10:36.970 - All right, thanks for that question. 10:36.970 --> 10:39.670 Question here is a vision of interoperability 10:39.670 --> 10:41.660 with our partners, so our partner nations, 10:41.660 --> 10:45.210 we have 31 countries, 27 democracies, 10:45.210 --> 10:48.230 and working with them is key to what we do. 10:48.230 --> 10:51.820 Strengthening partnerships is our number one line of effort, 10:51.820 --> 10:54.730 after building our team and interoperability is key. 10:54.730 --> 10:56.150 So how how do we principally do that? 10:56.150 --> 10:59.140 We do it through sharing intelligence and information 10:59.140 --> 11:02.460 and to do that we have to have agreements 11:02.460 --> 11:06.210 on sharing and trusted networks so it's IT systems, 11:06.210 --> 11:09.970 there's procedures and then there's knowing our partners. 11:09.970 --> 11:12.010 So intelligence and information sharing are 11:12.010 --> 11:14.910 the fundamental ways that we build strong partnerships 11:14.910 --> 11:16.850 and interoperability and that is key 11:18.114 --> 11:21.120 to what we do, to building trust so thanks. 11:21.120 --> 11:22.840 Great question. 11:22.840 --> 11:26.510 Sir I had one more come in that came in the J8. 11:26.510 --> 11:30.100 It's in reference to exception from parents 11:30.100 --> 11:33.373 that the CDC here closes at 17:30. 11:34.290 --> 11:36.930 It was brought up that the parent advisory council 11:36.930 --> 11:40.280 about allowing parents back into the facility 11:40.280 --> 11:42.550 if they've forgotten something or exception 11:42.550 --> 11:44.670 for children coming to the work environment. 11:44.670 --> 11:45.770 We're exploring that right now. 11:45.770 --> 11:47.990 We do work in a stiffed environment 11:47.990 --> 11:49.420 so it's sometimes difficult 11:49.420 --> 11:52.370 and the guards are put in a questionable stance 11:52.370 --> 11:53.870 when a parent comes through with a child. 11:53.870 --> 11:55.198 So we're looking at that. 11:55.198 --> 11:57.458 We've gotta work with the J2 and figure out 11:57.458 --> 12:01.957 the best way to handle that as far as the CDC exceptions. 12:01.957 --> 12:04.640 - Okay I think some of the questions that we're getting, 12:04.640 --> 12:06.540 if you have one specific to your command, 12:06.540 --> 12:10.150 we're happy to take it, I've got senior representatives 12:10.150 --> 12:12.020 or the commander from all the commands here 12:12.020 --> 12:14.210 and we can have them pipe up on the line 12:14.210 --> 12:16.890 and answer the question to so what to make sure 12:16.890 --> 12:20.060 this is inclusive of everybody with similar concerns. 12:20.060 --> 12:23.070 Often these very specific questions are extremely important 12:23.070 --> 12:26.060 because they shine a light on inconsistency 12:26.060 --> 12:29.480 to the policies or things that we have the power to change 12:29.480 --> 12:31.830 that can make a big difference for saving time 12:33.010 --> 12:36.240 and helping enhance the quality of life. 12:36.240 --> 12:38.240 That's really important. 12:38.240 --> 12:40.103 So we've got a question here on, 12:42.097 --> 12:44.167 "We're focused everyday on our work. 12:44.167 --> 12:46.617 "Many times we have no idea what 12:46.617 --> 12:48.177 "other directorates are working on. 12:48.177 --> 12:50.487 "Can we organize a SOUTHCOM day in the gym, 12:50.487 --> 12:52.797 "similar to career days? 12:52.797 --> 12:55.917 "I would offer that we probably want 12:55.917 --> 12:57.637 "to include the components so we know 12:57.637 --> 12:59.887 "what they're working for each directed section 12:59.887 --> 13:02.687 "present what they're working on how connects 13:02.687 --> 13:06.627 "to the mission and to the people we work for, 13:06.627 --> 13:09.027 "The Office of Secretary of Defense and in DOD." 13:10.350 --> 13:13.130 I would imagine each component shares that, 13:13.130 --> 13:17.080 figuring out how you fit in is always challenging 13:19.277 --> 13:20.790 and sometimes when we get senior, 13:20.790 --> 13:23.900 we take for granted that the team looks for that 13:23.900 --> 13:26.913 so we'll take a hard look at this. 13:29.750 --> 13:32.950 Our battle rhythm is key to this so everybody is invited 13:32.950 --> 13:36.010 to listen in to the commander's update brief 13:36.010 --> 13:37.150 that occurs on Thursday. 13:37.150 --> 13:40.830 There are multiple ways to access that brief. 13:40.830 --> 13:42.530 It's unclassified. 13:42.530 --> 13:45.410 It's rel to our partners and there's a lot 13:45.410 --> 13:47.260 of good information that is produced. 13:49.249 --> 13:50.980 I need to ask the question if that can be live streamed 13:50.980 --> 13:54.780 to somebody's desk op so that you could watch it 13:54.780 --> 13:56.260 from everywhere you are. 13:56.260 --> 13:57.670 I think it can. 13:57.670 --> 14:01.550 I also would tell you that with the requisite accesses, 14:01.550 --> 14:03.670 the battle rhythm and the schedules, 14:03.670 --> 14:07.890 what's happening is available to anybody that's listening, 14:07.890 --> 14:11.220 not to families but for workers so if you're looking 14:11.220 --> 14:15.100 to understand this from part of being the team. 14:15.100 --> 14:18.380 That information is out there with a few clicks. 14:18.380 --> 14:20.910 We've made great strides in knowledge management 14:20.910 --> 14:22.380 across the enterprise. 14:22.380 --> 14:24.030 Lots of work to be done for sure. 14:25.120 --> 14:26.440 We are gonna host family day. 14:26.440 --> 14:29.240 I know all the components host family days. 14:29.240 --> 14:32.560 Bring your child or friend to work day 14:32.560 --> 14:34.220 where you can come in and get a sense for 14:34.220 --> 14:35.583 that connect with families. 14:37.892 --> 14:38.740 I'm looking for the date for that 14:38.740 --> 14:41.040 so one of the team could bring me in the date. 14:44.640 --> 14:46.233 All right, next question. 14:50.694 --> 14:52.530 All right, I've got a long list here. 14:52.530 --> 14:54.879 These are things that didn't get answered last time 14:54.879 --> 14:56.230 so we're gonna go to the well here as we wait 14:56.230 --> 14:58.390 for new questions to come in so please don't be shy 14:58.390 --> 15:01.150 about your questions if you're out there listening. 15:01.150 --> 15:03.440 It can be as simple as asking us to tell a C story. 15:03.440 --> 15:06.110 We've got one of those from the chaplain here. 15:06.110 --> 15:08.610 We will tell that story, but more towards the end. 15:13.490 --> 15:17.430 So the question of telecommuting no matter where you are 15:17.430 --> 15:20.599 in our team comes up from time to time 15:20.599 --> 15:25.599 and how do we best leverage telecommuting 15:25.610 --> 15:27.470 and there's a policy for this. 15:27.470 --> 15:30.730 We want to encourage telecommuting when it's appropriate. 15:30.730 --> 15:34.100 I think our best work comes from interacting together 15:34.100 --> 15:36.880 as a team, but it's not always appropriate 15:36.880 --> 15:39.020 based on individual circumstances 15:39.020 --> 15:42.080 and it could change based on family situations 15:42.080 --> 15:45.500 so we do encourage telework where it fits in 15:45.500 --> 15:49.690 and if somebody tells you no as far as working 15:49.690 --> 15:53.310 at SOUTHCOM I'm the only one that can say no for others, 15:53.310 --> 15:54.577 it's whatever your command policy is 15:54.577 --> 15:56.463 but we want to encourage telework. 16:02.820 --> 16:06.410 All right, Sergeant Major, you want to talk about the value, 16:06.410 --> 16:07.450 getting the word out a little bit, 16:07.450 --> 16:10.450 some of the things we're working on to do that. 16:10.450 --> 16:11.833 - So one of the things we're working on is 16:11.833 --> 16:14.128 to make sure we get our word out. 16:14.128 --> 16:19.128 We gotta get out see everybody, you know one of the things 16:19.470 --> 16:21.660 I kind of addressed today was we needed 16:21.660 --> 16:24.639 a thousand door stoppers for US Southern Command. 16:24.639 --> 16:27.093 It's important that we speak to each other, 16:27.093 --> 16:29.940 that we greet each other, we talk to each other 16:31.140 --> 16:32.603 and grow as a team. 16:33.940 --> 16:36.730 Team effort starts with a handshake some days 16:36.730 --> 16:39.270 so it's important that we communicate to each other 16:39.270 --> 16:42.445 left and right across the AO and that makes, 16:42.445 --> 16:47.445 you know, calling a SCOB in Honduras or Columbia. 16:48.120 --> 16:50.544 It's easier to make a phonecall than it is an email 16:50.544 --> 16:53.680 that interaction, that interpersonal action 16:53.680 --> 16:56.488 is important and we need to continue with that, 16:56.488 --> 16:57.321 operate that way. 16:57.321 --> 16:59.120 - Right we've got one more question in, 16:59.120 --> 17:03.853 but we are looking for questions so help us out. 17:04.796 --> 17:06.727 We've got a question from Air Force to South, 17:06.727 --> 17:09.653 the Air Office Center at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. 17:11.500 --> 17:13.220 So the question is a great question. 17:13.220 --> 17:16.000 I mentioned 31 countries, but only 27 democracies 17:16.000 --> 17:16.840 and which are not? 17:16.840 --> 17:21.840 So the nondemocracies are Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, 17:22.810 --> 17:26.040 Bolivia is going through a transition right now 17:26.040 --> 17:28.770 and they're setting up for legitimate elections 17:28.770 --> 17:31.370 so I would still say that it's in the non list, 17:31.370 --> 17:35.450 but we've seen a recent ray of hope. 17:35.450 --> 17:37.110 Cuba is a tough situation. 17:37.110 --> 17:41.010 It's been a long time communist satellite country 17:41.010 --> 17:43.300 of the Soviet Union, now Russia 17:43.300 --> 17:47.460 and it's our closest neighbor in many respects 17:47.460 --> 17:50.370 and one of our most vexing problems right here 17:50.370 --> 17:53.310 within a short distance of South Florida 17:53.310 --> 17:56.000 so we focus a lot on Cuba. 17:56.000 --> 17:58.970 Unfortunately, there are no mill to mill at all interactions 17:58.970 --> 18:02.530 with Cuba because that's just how frozen the relationship is 18:02.530 --> 18:07.470 and how unwilling Cuba has been to change 18:07.470 --> 18:09.823 and respond to any US policy pressure. 18:11.163 --> 18:12.707 Venezuela, everything bad comes together 18:12.707 --> 18:15.480 in Venezuela in this hemisphere. 18:15.480 --> 18:19.150 Russian influence, Chinese influence, Iranian influence 18:19.150 --> 18:22.020 and the effect of illegitimate regime 18:22.020 --> 18:24.070 that has brutalized it's people has been, 18:24.950 --> 18:27.630 almost five million migrants have spilled over 18:27.630 --> 18:31.450 into our neighbors and I'm proud of the neighbors, 18:31.450 --> 18:34.470 they're professional partners, Columbians and Brazillians 18:34.470 --> 18:37.960 have done great work to open their arms 18:37.960 --> 18:41.380 and welcome these migrants that are looking for better life 18:41.380 --> 18:44.420 and we're working hard with our partners on Venezuela. 18:44.420 --> 18:45.880 Nicaragua is another challenge 18:45.880 --> 18:50.880 with a long time leader that has manipulated democracy 18:51.630 --> 18:54.090 to keep himself and cronies in power. 18:54.090 --> 18:55.470 And then Bolivia, as I mentioned, 18:55.470 --> 18:59.940 so again, four that we'd like to turn to the democratic side 18:59.940 --> 19:01.740 and we're working hard here on that. 19:09.210 --> 19:10.780 Okay, bring your child to work day 19:10.780 --> 19:12.620 is not scheduled yet here at the headquarters. 19:12.620 --> 19:14.240 We're looking at dates in March and April 19:14.240 --> 19:17.340 when children can negotiate a day off from school 19:17.340 --> 19:19.920 so we gotta get on that to get on the calendar 19:19.920 --> 19:23.460 so I know that Sergeant Major and myself 19:23.460 --> 19:25.380 who command a team, we'd love to be a part of that 19:25.380 --> 19:26.910 and be able to meet your families 19:26.910 --> 19:28.800 and help explain what we do and get that connection. 19:28.800 --> 19:33.800 And I know our components value that as well so thank you. 19:45.115 --> 19:46.267 - Another one for you sir. 19:46.267 --> 19:47.366 (all laugh) 19:47.366 --> 19:48.441 - Well since the questions are coming to me, 19:48.441 --> 19:50.274 I just give it all up. 19:52.620 --> 19:57.620 Oh boy, well it's not hard, somebody's calling me out here, 20:02.610 --> 20:04.080 might either of you be in a position, 20:04.080 --> 20:05.950 or any of us be in a position to speak 20:05.950 --> 20:08.650 to how we can successfully balance our desire 20:08.650 --> 20:11.360 to share more with partner nations and or foreigners 20:11.360 --> 20:12.860 visiting the command without there being 20:12.860 --> 20:15.380 an inadvertent disclosure of classified information 20:15.380 --> 20:16.749 to them in the process. 20:16.749 --> 20:18.313 Great question. 20:20.870 --> 20:25.870 We want to share with our partners, the information, 20:26.164 --> 20:28.380 intelligence that we share is key to building trust. 20:28.380 --> 20:31.376 It helps us when partners trust us, we learn-- 20:31.376 --> 20:34.823 - [Voiceover] Hey station, this is NAVSOUTH comcheck over. 20:36.010 --> 20:38.110 - We get our best information from our partners.-- 20:38.110 --> 20:39.690 - [Voiceover] Be advised this is Navport South, 20:39.690 --> 20:43.470 we read you Lima Charlie, I think is specific with SOUTHCOM. 20:43.470 --> 20:45.798 - Okay we got errant noises in here, 20:45.798 --> 20:48.116 ladies and gentlemen, technical difficulties, 20:48.116 --> 20:50.549 Hey Chief, I need some help in here. 20:50.549 --> 20:53.132 (all laughing) 20:54.320 --> 20:59.030 Hey Chief, A2, we need some help in here, thank you. 20:59.030 --> 21:00.580 Look I need somebody in here cause 21:00.580 --> 21:02.190 that thing keeps making noise 21:02.190 --> 21:04.562 and I need somebody to monitor it. 21:04.562 --> 21:06.440 NAVSOUTH is having trouble dialing in. 21:06.440 --> 21:08.340 That's what I just heard so thank you. 21:09.275 --> 21:12.010 Back to the question, so sharing information is key. 21:12.010 --> 21:14.420 Sharing intelligence is key, but obviously we have 21:14.420 --> 21:18.870 to protect the sources and methods 21:18.870 --> 21:21.620 and the critical intelligence that is vital 21:21.620 --> 21:24.090 to our national security so that's pri one. 21:24.090 --> 21:26.690 And we have a very, very active 21:26.690 --> 21:29.850 foreign disclosure office here that reviews every venue. 21:29.850 --> 21:34.620 The key is not winging it, going into these venues 21:34.620 --> 21:37.874 with rehearsals, knowing what you're gonna say, 21:37.874 --> 21:40.110 practicing what you're gonna say, 21:40.110 --> 21:41.880 making sure we're talking about facts 21:41.880 --> 21:43.040 and knowing what the limits are. 21:43.040 --> 21:46.030 So that's key to it is preparation 21:46.030 --> 21:48.823 and including the foreign disclosure office. 21:49.710 --> 21:51.200 Then the second part of this question is 21:51.200 --> 21:53.951 Admiral Faller you are missed at the Fitness Center. 21:53.951 --> 21:55.993 (inaudible) there in the afternoons anymore. 21:57.030 --> 21:58.870 There are tremendous challenges-- 21:58.870 --> 22:00.049 - [Voiceover] Hey Army South NAVSOUTH 22:00.049 --> 22:02.690 looks like they dropped (inaudible) 22:02.690 --> 22:06.340 - There are tremendous challenges with Tricare down 22:08.548 --> 22:10.480 with our security cooperation offices 22:10.480 --> 22:14.100 and we really acknowledge those challenges 22:14.100 --> 22:17.540 and we're working hard to try to get attention 22:17.540 --> 22:20.020 to bear on those challenges so thanks for bearing with us 22:20.020 --> 22:22.600 on that and when you come upon an example 22:22.600 --> 22:24.880 where you haven't gotten the services that you deserve, 22:24.880 --> 22:27.924 please contact us, let us know that story. 22:27.924 --> 22:30.180 Our surgeon's office and our team here 22:30.180 --> 22:31.463 is hard at work on it. 22:34.670 --> 22:36.960 - So I'd like to sir, if you don't mind, 22:36.960 --> 22:40.755 I'd like to kind of go back to a point everybody touched on. 22:40.755 --> 22:43.950 As you were saying and one of the questions were asked 22:43.950 --> 22:47.170 in regards to, what does each directory do, 22:47.170 --> 22:50.020 you know within the AOR, within headquarters here. 22:50.020 --> 22:53.220 I remember you were talking about everybody getting out 22:53.220 --> 22:55.177 and getting to talk to everybody 22:55.177 --> 22:56.680 and know everybody after the handshake. 22:56.680 --> 22:58.530 That's how you get yourself out there, 22:58.530 --> 23:00.420 you introduce yourselves, you start 23:00.420 --> 23:03.450 to learn new ideas, new concepts, 23:03.450 --> 23:05.170 where you're working, where you're living. 23:05.170 --> 23:07.627 A lot of it's going on with FRG 23:07.627 --> 23:10.870 and the group that is doing amazingly well 23:10.870 --> 23:13.200 with asking questions, providing input. 23:13.200 --> 23:15.390 What I think would be interesting is if maybe 23:15.390 --> 23:19.940 in terms of sharing a story we all have experienced 23:19.940 --> 23:23.250 as our first time here within US Southern Command 23:23.250 --> 23:25.920 to show exactly, we're all human, 23:25.920 --> 23:27.410 this is how we made our connections, 23:27.410 --> 23:30.040 this is we learned, whether it was through help 23:30.040 --> 23:35.040 or by ourselves or with our significant others, 23:35.090 --> 23:37.580 I think it would be interesting to give, 23:37.580 --> 23:40.210 you know we're asking everybody for questions 23:40.210 --> 23:44.190 and maybe we could provide just a little bit 23:44.190 --> 23:45.910 of ourselves and our personal experience. 23:45.910 --> 23:46.743 - Sure. 23:46.743 --> 23:47.576 - That's a great idea. 23:47.576 --> 23:51.230 - On how we first got here, first experience, 23:51.230 --> 23:53.163 something good, something bad, something 23:53.163 --> 23:54.950 that you learned from it doesn't matter. 23:54.950 --> 23:57.220 I just think it would be fun. 23:57.220 --> 23:58.557 - It's a great idea. 23:59.590 --> 24:04.590 - So I'll jump on that so even though I've been stationed 24:05.750 --> 24:08.470 at four different combatant commands, I still struggle 24:08.470 --> 24:12.380 with all the acronyms so not a day goes by, 24:12.380 --> 24:14.530 today was an example with all hands call, 24:14.530 --> 24:17.260 I was tripping over an acronym that I've come 24:17.260 --> 24:19.520 to accept is a word, but it really isn't a word, 24:19.520 --> 24:21.320 it doesn't mean anything to anybody. 24:23.740 --> 24:25.760 I find it sometimes we confuse our ownselves 24:25.760 --> 24:29.910 with our own acronyms so just my story. 24:29.910 --> 24:31.153 - Oh yeah, I'll tell a story about both of us. 24:33.988 --> 24:38.242 This is working in a joint command, first time ever. 24:38.242 --> 24:39.900 Me and the wife were coming down here, 24:39.900 --> 24:42.476 we're coming down here to Doral. 24:42.476 --> 24:45.270 (Tasha laughs) 24:45.270 --> 24:49.520 And she speaks Spanish and I don't speak any Spanish 24:49.520 --> 24:52.323 so my goal is to learn to speak Spanish. 24:55.490 --> 24:58.800 So we're driving through Doral 24:58.800 --> 25:00.670 and there's all these words in Spanish 25:00.670 --> 25:04.810 and she's teaching me all the words on signs 25:04.810 --> 25:06.337 and I go "Oh I got this one." 25:08.514 --> 25:11.289 And I look up and I go, "La Fitness." 25:11.289 --> 25:13.872 (all laughing) 25:15.201 --> 25:18.741 She goes, "No idiot, it's not La Fitness, it's L-A Fitness." 25:18.741 --> 25:20.736 - I didn't say idiot, I just want to share. 25:20.736 --> 25:22.033 (all laughing) 25:22.033 --> 25:23.110 - So we want some stories, we want 25:23.110 --> 25:24.460 to hear something from you all. 25:24.460 --> 25:28.183 - We got lot's of questions. 25:29.530 --> 25:32.374 - Those two things, we did it, we've got questions. 25:32.374 --> 25:34.370 - They're not allowed to go first next time. 25:34.370 --> 25:35.670 - All right here I'm gonna hit a question. 25:35.670 --> 25:37.937 And Sergeant Major's gonna hit a question. 25:37.937 --> 25:39.479 You got about five questions, it's good now. 25:39.479 --> 25:40.975 (laughing) 25:40.975 --> 25:42.103 Let's get the questions going here. 25:43.240 --> 25:46.500 There's some disconnect or misinformation 25:46.500 --> 25:49.400 There is disconnect and misinformation on the process 25:49.400 --> 25:53.010 requesting for security cooperation personnel. 25:53.010 --> 25:54.810 So SCO, you hear us use that term. 25:54.810 --> 25:58.590 These are personnel assigned, military personnel, 25:58.590 --> 26:02.260 civilian personnel signed to embassies that are 26:02.260 --> 26:05.840 on behalf of SOUTHCOM to work important projects 26:05.840 --> 26:07.833 helping our partners fill capacity. 26:09.290 --> 26:13.310 This is about housing, so they go from military housing 26:13.310 --> 26:17.480 to there's a term for it, to embassy housing. 26:17.480 --> 26:20.970 So we now have a plan, embassy by embassy 26:20.970 --> 26:25.480 and it's country specific and it's date specific 26:25.480 --> 26:27.450 to work through this and not all the countries 26:27.450 --> 26:30.090 have signed on so if you have a specific question 26:30.090 --> 26:33.110 about a specific country, we have an answer. 26:33.110 --> 26:37.810 Your senior defense official or the head of your security 26:37.810 --> 26:39.550 cooperation officer should have the answers 26:39.550 --> 26:43.500 If not they can contact our J8, Mr Jim Worm 26:43.500 --> 26:47.320 who as a senior SES will have the answer 26:47.320 --> 26:50.700 on the process where we stand in the queue, 26:50.700 --> 26:53.430 how to work through that, Sergeant Major. 26:53.430 --> 26:56.600 - So this little tidbit about BAH, 26:56.600 --> 26:59.830 the new BAH rules are coming out and we're hoping 26:59.830 --> 27:03.637 to see an increase in this next year, we hope. 27:03.637 --> 27:07.280 It should be coming out the beginning of this new year 27:07.280 --> 27:10.983 so something hopefully to look forward to. 27:12.808 --> 27:15.277 - I have a question it says, "Good evening, 27:15.277 --> 27:18.097 "is there any newsletter I can subscribe to 27:18.097 --> 27:21.950 "or group I can join to get info directed to spouses?" 27:21.950 --> 27:25.130 and yes there is and I'll try to say this 27:25.130 --> 27:30.130 as slowly as I can, the address is 27:30.710 --> 27:35.590 www.Facebook.com/groups/southPalmSpouses 27:40.711 --> 27:45.711 so we have a very active, incredibly energized 27:45.870 --> 27:50.870 and dedicated group of spouses and family FRG group 27:53.290 --> 27:56.760 that is just inclusive to everybody 27:56.760 --> 27:59.320 and we would welcome any of your input, 27:59.320 --> 28:02.470 any of your questions concerns so send them on over. 28:02.470 --> 28:05.950 - And if your part of a component team, 28:05.950 --> 28:08.693 joint task force team, one of our embassies 28:08.693 --> 28:10.440 and you want to tap into that as a resource, 28:10.440 --> 28:13.940 we welcome you to tap into it. 28:13.940 --> 28:15.770 They'll probably ask you some questions 28:15.770 --> 28:18.270 to make sure you're legit. 28:18.270 --> 28:20.043 Once you figure out you're legit, tap in. 28:20.043 --> 28:22.980 It's all about sharing information, building our knowledge 28:22.980 --> 28:24.310 so we can be smarter about how 28:24.310 --> 28:26.150 to leverage all the resources that are available 28:26.150 --> 28:28.890 and there are lot's of resources, Sergeant Major. 28:28.890 --> 28:31.127 - So there's a question here, "There have been instances 28:31.127 --> 28:34.242 "of personnel parking in expectant mother parking spaces 28:34.242 --> 28:36.127 "that are not expecting mothers 28:36.127 --> 28:39.630 "and do not have the appropriate placard." 28:39.630 --> 28:41.100 I guess I want to bounce this back 28:41.100 --> 28:42.730 to our team in the back real fast. 28:42.730 --> 28:45.080 How do you get an appropriate placard 28:45.080 --> 28:49.000 and then a reminder about parking policy. 28:49.000 --> 28:51.517 So if we could get an answer about how we get 28:51.517 --> 28:52.799 an appropriate placard for that, I'd appreciate that. 28:52.799 --> 28:54.100 - [Voiceover] Hey any station NAVSOUTH comcheck over. 28:54.100 --> 28:56.050 - We could get that information to her. 28:57.726 --> 29:01.809 (talking over com in background) 29:05.770 --> 29:06.803 - [Voiceover] Can't hear. 29:06.803 --> 29:09.270 - Yeah go ahead Chief see if we can get 29:09.270 --> 29:10.620 an answer on that one. 29:10.620 --> 29:14.287 - About the placards, how do we get a placard? 29:14.287 --> 29:17.520 - We have a question about how's the transition 29:17.520 --> 29:21.773 from FRG to SFRG going at SOUTHCOM. 29:22.705 --> 29:23.740 It's going great. 29:23.740 --> 29:26.950 The reason why the name was changed to SFRG, 29:26.950 --> 29:29.190 which is Soldier Family Readiness Group, 29:29.190 --> 29:33.190 it's actually not something that SOUTHCOM directed. 29:33.190 --> 29:35.330 This was a mandate from the Army. 29:35.330 --> 29:38.140 They had a new directive that came out 29:38.140 --> 29:42.750 that all the FRG's are going to now be changed 29:42.750 --> 29:47.750 to SFRG so it's wonderful and I think the biggest change 29:48.560 --> 29:50.680 for us here at SOUTHCOM is that we want 29:50.680 --> 29:53.960 to be completely inclusive and that includes anybody 29:53.960 --> 29:56.810 that is attached to SOUTHCOM. 29:56.810 --> 30:00.470 - So that's for, what Martha's speaking about 30:00.470 --> 30:03.700 the Soldier Family Readiness Group that's here at SOUTHCOM 30:03.700 --> 30:06.331 but each of our components have their own readiness groups. 30:06.331 --> 30:10.670 What you name it is often driven by the services, 30:10.670 --> 30:13.750 the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines that supply 30:13.750 --> 30:16.970 the resources and the policy directed that governs 30:16.970 --> 30:19.150 family readiness groups so we don't actually have a choice 30:19.150 --> 30:22.096 in that if we want to ensure that we're within 30:22.096 --> 30:25.150 the regulations of our garrison support 30:25.150 --> 30:26.610 which in this case is Army here. 30:26.610 --> 30:29.010 So that's all the reason why we have the name 30:29.010 --> 30:34.010 so it's for families, it's for sailor families, coast guard, 30:34.970 --> 30:37.250 civilians that aren't tied to a service. 30:37.250 --> 30:39.573 It's for anybody here and I know that our components 30:39.573 --> 30:42.670 have a similar view and I welcome any questions 30:42.670 --> 30:44.890 from the greater team on how 30:44.890 --> 30:47.480 to better tie our families together. 30:47.480 --> 30:49.130 That's so key and so important. 30:49.130 --> 30:53.010 So much information out there, it can be bewildering 30:53.010 --> 30:55.580 and there's not a week goes by I don't learn something new. 30:55.580 --> 30:58.530 Really that is credible gauge that we need 30:58.530 --> 31:00.880 to help our families with or help our team with 31:01.930 --> 31:05.650 and leverage so that they can have better quality 31:05.650 --> 31:07.903 of life and better mission success. 31:11.067 --> 31:12.216 - Sir I've got one. 31:12.216 --> 31:14.560 - Okay, you got one, everybody has one, we'll go with Marty. 31:14.560 --> 31:17.657 - Okay sir, "Who is working visa waivers program 31:17.657 --> 31:21.310 "for official passports if no one is, why not?" 31:21.310 --> 31:23.940 So what I would say is we do have official passport section 31:23.940 --> 31:28.100 here at USAG Miami that should be facilitating you 31:28.100 --> 31:29.866 or helping you in that process. 31:29.866 --> 31:33.463 I'll give you their points of contact and information. 31:33.463 --> 31:38.463 The phone number is 305-437-2750 or 2751 31:40.890 --> 31:43.440 and if you're having issues that you feel 31:43.440 --> 31:46.302 that you can't get through to that office, 31:46.302 --> 31:50.710 you always can email me or call me and I will run that 31:50.710 --> 31:52.910 to ground and assist any way I can 31:52.910 --> 31:56.400 and making sure we take care of you and your family members 31:56.400 --> 31:57.900 that are out there in the field. 31:57.900 --> 31:58.733 - Thank you 32:00.430 --> 32:02.440 - So I do have a question here sir. 32:02.440 --> 32:05.578 I think I'm interpreting it correctly. 32:05.578 --> 32:08.540 The question is, "Is there any chance of having days 32:08.540 --> 32:11.310 of no scheduled activity coming back to SOUTHCOM?" 32:11.310 --> 32:12.750 I think those are when we're talking about, 32:12.750 --> 32:15.623 we have nine family dates scheduled 32:15.623 --> 32:18.240 in conjunction with federal holidays. 32:18.240 --> 32:21.500 The days are of no scheduled activities. 32:21.500 --> 32:23.070 I think that's a question we're going for. 32:23.070 --> 32:26.013 If it doesn't please return that question back to us. 32:27.437 --> 32:31.680 - So every component commander has a different policy here 32:31.680 --> 32:34.800 at SOUTHCOM so I leave this up to the commands. 32:34.800 --> 32:36.740 We don't micromanage it from headquarters, 32:36.740 --> 32:39.140 but we on federal holiday Mondays, 32:39.140 --> 32:41.860 we have a Friday family day which is liberal leave 32:41.860 --> 32:44.070 for civilians, for military personnel 32:44.070 --> 32:46.476 that are authorized time off. 32:46.476 --> 32:51.476 I can't dictate and give time off days to all civilians 32:51.960 --> 32:53.870 and contractors have their own set of rules 32:53.870 --> 32:56.560 but so that expands three day weekends 32:56.560 --> 32:59.010 to four day weekends so that's the tie 32:59.010 --> 33:01.650 when we see family days on the schedule 33:01.650 --> 33:03.430 and what it means for SOUTHCOM. 33:03.430 --> 33:08.430 It's a great thing so in the Navy, other places I've been, 33:09.610 --> 33:12.810 we didn't come up with this idea, so we modeled it off 33:12.810 --> 33:15.380 so we embraced it here at SOUTHCOM 33:15.380 --> 33:18.568 and its a good thing, family days. 33:18.568 --> 33:22.660 I have a question here it's about reserved utilization. 33:22.660 --> 33:25.321 It can apply I'm sure to every component 33:25.321 --> 33:29.070 and anybody who's reserve and probably has application 33:29.070 --> 33:31.700 to the guard too, but this one's specific 33:31.700 --> 33:33.687 to Army Reserve billets and it says, 33:33.687 --> 33:36.067 "How does the Army SOUTHCOM Reservist, 33:36.067 --> 33:39.057 "how do they get utilized? And are they being utilized 33:39.057 --> 33:40.747 "for personnel shortfalls?" 33:41.610 --> 33:43.350 So thank you Major for the question. 33:43.350 --> 33:45.010 The Army Reserve component is a vital part 33:45.010 --> 33:47.670 of performing mission so we cannot do our mission here 33:47.670 --> 33:50.090 without the Reserve Guards across the headquarters 33:50.090 --> 33:53.030 and all the components any given day there are many, many 33:53.030 --> 33:55.650 Reservists and Guardsmen, men and women, 33:55.650 --> 33:58.530 just fitting right in and there's no difference 33:58.530 --> 34:00.160 so we use them in all kinds of roles. 34:00.160 --> 34:01.967 We use them in full time roles, part time roles. 34:01.967 --> 34:05.780 And we seek and actively seek as much funding 34:05.780 --> 34:07.695 and authority from the Reserve and Guards 34:07.695 --> 34:10.070 to bring as many people on. 34:10.070 --> 34:12.550 There is plenty of work here to go around. 34:12.550 --> 34:15.720 We also use them in our security cooperation offices 34:15.720 --> 34:18.585 in our countries throughout the AOR, 34:18.585 --> 34:23.585 and if you need more information, a good number here 34:23.960 --> 34:27.663 for Army Reserves is 305-437-1519, 305-437-1519. 34:30.760 --> 34:33.970 I'm sure you can trace through the web some more information 34:33.970 --> 34:36.270 on this but it's an excellent question thanks. 34:39.758 --> 34:42.258 - (inaudible) 34:48.080 --> 34:49.830 - Sergeant Major, you got that one. 34:50.793 --> 34:52.862 I was trying to give Sergeant Major the hard one here. 34:52.862 --> 34:54.170 (all laughing) 34:54.170 --> 34:56.320 I'm gonna ask this one and then we'll kick 34:56.320 --> 34:58.523 Sergeant Major and then I'll take the long one here. 35:01.896 --> 35:03.560 Okay good question from Major Diaz. 35:03.560 --> 35:04.530 Thanks for putting your name here, 35:04.530 --> 35:06.330 I'm gonna thank you for the question personally 35:06.330 --> 35:08.303 Major Diaz at ARMSOUTH, thank you. 35:10.133 --> 35:12.337 "Are we considering the possibility of conducting 35:12.337 --> 35:14.707 "a tabletop exercise with partner nations 35:14.707 --> 35:16.010 "through the BICES network?" 35:16.010 --> 35:18.270 So BICES one of our intelligence sharing networks 35:18.270 --> 35:20.930 that we use the fight with our partners. 35:20.930 --> 35:24.600 We've emphasized tonight a lot the importance 35:24.600 --> 35:26.070 of information intelligence sharing. 35:26.070 --> 35:28.370 That goes with our families, not intelligence 35:28.370 --> 35:30.370 with our families, but information intelligence 35:30.370 --> 35:32.749 with our partners when appropriate 35:32.749 --> 35:35.360 and the quick answer to this, we do not currently have 35:35.360 --> 35:38.980 a specific TPx with partner nations scheduled through BICES. 35:38.980 --> 35:40.560 We are actively working to ensure BICES 35:40.560 --> 35:42.110 made available to our partners. 35:42.960 --> 35:45.470 Said another way, we're actually trying to increase 35:45.470 --> 35:48.870 BICES utilization so where we have it installed, 35:48.870 --> 35:50.770 we ought to be working really hard to ensure 35:50.770 --> 35:52.600 that meaningful information is being passed. 35:52.600 --> 35:55.680 We haven't contemplated TPx. 35:55.680 --> 35:59.410 I'm speaking to all the partner nation liaison officers 35:59.410 --> 36:02.280 and enlisted NCO's later this week 36:02.280 --> 36:03.920 and I'll raise this with them and see if it's 36:03.920 --> 36:04.830 something they'd be interested in. 36:04.830 --> 36:07.063 Thanks Major Diaz for the question. 36:08.510 --> 36:12.137 - So I got a team building question, so the question is 36:12.137 --> 36:14.127 "I've been wondering if an internal fair 36:14.127 --> 36:15.705 "could be established a least once a year. 36:15.705 --> 36:18.067 "Something similar to the onboarding process, 36:18.067 --> 36:21.497 "but open to all employees to learn from one another, 36:21.497 --> 36:23.577 "share what we do to an extent 36:23.577 --> 36:26.097 "and establish better relations within our staffs 36:26.097 --> 36:29.727 "as well as share cross organizational opportunities. 36:29.727 --> 36:32.340 "Just a thought, it could be something very productive." 36:32.340 --> 36:36.380 You know that's a great team building idea, good suggestion. 36:36.380 --> 36:37.970 We're always ready to create more and better ways 36:37.970 --> 36:42.340 to build our team and please reach out to me 36:42.340 --> 36:45.129 and we'll refine your concept and purpose 36:45.129 --> 36:47.310 and help us to lead that charge. 36:47.310 --> 36:49.370 - All right lets do some rapid planning right now. 36:49.370 --> 36:51.200 We're gonna do this, I like this idea. 36:51.200 --> 36:55.490 It's come in twice and so we'll do a family day focused one. 36:55.490 --> 36:57.400 We'll get that date out soon. 36:57.400 --> 37:00.150 And we'll do one focused on the team 37:00.150 --> 37:01.970 and we'll challenge our component commanders 37:01.970 --> 37:05.230 to kind of look at similar ways they might adopt 37:05.230 --> 37:06.590 that within their own formations. 37:06.590 --> 37:08.050 I think it's a great idea. 37:08.050 --> 37:10.080 Well done, rapid planning done. 37:10.080 --> 37:11.700 Mission analysis done. (all laughing) 37:11.700 --> 37:13.930 Course of action is developed and approved. 37:13.930 --> 37:15.767 Done, Chief of Staff make it happen. 37:15.767 --> 37:18.620 (all laughing) Aye aye, Admiral, thank you. 37:18.620 --> 37:22.690 Okay this one's for team Faller and team Zickefoose. 37:22.690 --> 37:25.120 This is a varsity level question here 37:25.120 --> 37:28.557 so Sergeant First Class Wright, you get a big thumbs up. 37:28.557 --> 37:33.557 "How are we sharing adversary TTPs of fighting forces 37:34.407 --> 37:37.160 "so that we can train and improve and enhance?" 37:37.160 --> 37:40.230 So the example given here is, National Training Center 37:40.230 --> 37:42.890 at 29 Palms, our centers of excellence for the Army 37:42.890 --> 37:45.510 and the Marine Corps, where they bring combined arms 37:45.510 --> 37:49.570 capabilities together to practice fighting adversaries 37:49.570 --> 37:52.000 of all scales, including the highest 37:52.000 --> 37:54.023 and near peer threats and fights. 37:55.301 --> 37:58.620 Are we ensuring that what we see from our near peers here 37:58.620 --> 38:01.015 in the SOUTHCOM AOR is fed into training centers 38:01.015 --> 38:05.010 and how do we make this connection work. 38:05.010 --> 38:07.640 I think we feed in very well. 38:07.640 --> 38:12.210 What we see here is the gray zone conflict 38:12.210 --> 38:13.710 in this atmosphere. 38:13.710 --> 38:15.810 What does that mean, gray zone conflict? 38:15.810 --> 38:18.590 That means when you see Russia and China 38:18.590 --> 38:22.010 and other adversaries like Iran, in the information space 38:22.010 --> 38:25.400 and other domains looking to counter values, 38:25.400 --> 38:29.730 looking to portray their view of the truth and facts. 38:29.730 --> 38:32.450 And that plays into all phases of warfare 38:32.450 --> 38:36.220 and it plays into the way our combined arms teams practice. 38:36.220 --> 38:38.990 Not just at the National Training Center at 29 Palms, 38:38.990 --> 38:41.968 but in joint combined training exercises 38:41.968 --> 38:44.660 for the Navy Marine Corps team as well. 38:44.660 --> 38:47.950 So I'm very confident that those training centers 38:47.950 --> 38:52.950 are focused on the future fight in a way that reflects today 38:54.970 --> 38:58.160 and tomorrow in this hemisphere and should be reassuring 38:58.160 --> 39:01.530 to all our allies and partners and also a deterrent 39:01.530 --> 39:03.940 to any enemy that wants to take us on 39:03.940 --> 39:08.220 because we should all recognize the difference we're making 39:08.220 --> 39:10.570 is part of the finest fighting force 39:10.570 --> 39:11.450 in the history of the world. 39:11.450 --> 39:13.620 We didn't get here by wishing it. 39:13.620 --> 39:15.840 We got here through hard work, team work, 39:15.840 --> 39:17.810 commitment, passion, integrity, 39:17.810 --> 39:20.180 and we'll do it today and we'll do it tomorrow. 39:20.180 --> 39:22.690 And those values that professionalism we've talked to 39:22.690 --> 39:24.400 is resonated in everything we do here 39:24.400 --> 39:26.750 so I think its all connected, Sergeant First Class Wright, 39:26.750 --> 39:28.620 and it's a wonderful question you asked 39:28.620 --> 39:31.070 and we can never take for granted that edge 39:31.070 --> 39:34.540 that we have here, when we get through our training routines 39:34.540 --> 39:37.010 our education regimes and our National Training Centers, 39:37.010 --> 39:39.833 places like 29 Palms, so thank you. 39:39.833 --> 39:42.413 - Okay Wright, good to hear from you, stay in touch. 39:43.930 --> 39:47.001 - Okay we got one, Marty's got a couple there. 39:47.001 --> 39:49.673 - Sir this is just a follow up so I'll re-read the question 39:49.673 --> 39:50.737 then come back with the answer, 39:50.737 --> 39:53.337 "There have been instances where personnel parking 39:53.337 --> 39:55.954 "in expecting mother's parking places 39:55.954 --> 39:58.567 "that are not expecting mothers. 39:58.567 --> 40:00.330 "Do we have appropriate placards?" 40:00.330 --> 40:02.180 And this is a follow up to Sergeant Major asking 40:02.180 --> 40:05.070 just come back, we will send something out 40:05.070 --> 40:07.160 and yes that's easy to do and you just need 40:07.160 --> 40:09.170 to make sure the person is (mumbles). 40:09.170 --> 40:10.640 - So there is placards or there is no placards. 40:10.640 --> 40:12.690 - There is no placards but we'll send something out 40:12.690 --> 40:14.508 to remind everybody that people that 40:14.508 --> 40:16.442 are not pregnant shouldn't be - So it's an honesty thing. 40:16.442 --> 40:19.310 - parking in those spots. 40:19.310 --> 40:23.420 - All right if you're an expecting mother or you're someone 40:23.420 --> 40:24.860 with needs and you come to work somebody 40:24.860 --> 40:26.817 is rudely parking in your spot and your here 40:26.817 --> 40:28.950 and my spot's open you can park in it 40:28.950 --> 40:32.580 so usually two spots out there reserved for me. 40:32.580 --> 40:35.940 I don't need any of them so you can have one of those. 40:35.940 --> 40:38.040 We gotta take care of those people that need 40:38.040 --> 40:40.280 to be close to the door and I know I speak for all 40:40.280 --> 40:44.003 of commands when I feel that, they feel the same way. 40:45.225 --> 40:48.797 That's designed for a practical reason so thank you. 40:48.797 --> 40:52.190 Okay we're a little low in the questions here. 40:52.190 --> 40:54.160 I am gonna tell, we're gonna share 40:54.160 --> 40:56.580 memorable Christmas stories. 40:56.580 --> 40:57.883 I'm gonna start. 41:01.495 --> 41:03.980 I think everybody that's listening that's served, 41:03.980 --> 41:07.220 served here, civilian military know what its like 41:07.220 --> 41:09.970 and some of you are out there right now, 41:09.970 --> 41:13.980 Joint Task Force Bravo, Gitmo, or Nagiev South 41:13.980 --> 41:17.410 that are gonna be out doing the mission on Christmas Day 41:17.410 --> 41:19.390 and you already forecast that you're gonna be away 41:19.390 --> 41:22.910 so my experience is one where I was away 41:22.910 --> 41:26.260 and it was Christmas Day and we got word, 41:26.260 --> 41:27.093 we were in Hong Kong, 41:27.093 --> 41:30.900 we got word there was a massive earthquake 41:30.900 --> 41:33.640 and a tsunami and there was hundreds of thousands 41:33.640 --> 41:35.380 of people killed and we were looking around 41:35.380 --> 41:37.760 and we were saying, "Wow we're in Hong Kong, 41:37.760 --> 41:39.617 that was in the Indian Ocean, wonder where the closest 41:39.617 --> 41:42.910 "United States Naval ships and Marines are?" 41:42.910 --> 41:45.457 and it didn't take us long to realize it was us 41:45.457 --> 41:47.820 and so we get under way and we surge out there 41:47.820 --> 41:51.213 and we help people and I think Christmas is, 41:53.400 --> 41:55.790 whatever religious holiday you celebrate, 41:55.790 --> 41:57.157 this time of year, it's a time of hope 41:57.157 --> 42:01.350 and it's a time of giving and the greatest gift 42:01.350 --> 42:04.550 we can give often is the gift of our service and our time. 42:04.550 --> 42:05.763 That's my crazy story. 42:07.870 --> 42:09.000 - Who's next? 42:09.000 --> 42:10.920 - I'll do a Christmas story sir. 42:10.920 --> 42:15.920 It was in Iraq in 2005 and we were in Fallujah 42:19.000 --> 42:20.493 so I was starting to get all these things coming in 42:20.493 --> 42:25.493 through the company and so I decided I was gonna give 42:26.070 --> 42:28.210 everyone in the company a gift. 42:28.210 --> 42:31.810 There were 250 plus marines and sailors 42:31.810 --> 42:34.180 so they all woke up on Christmas Day, 42:34.180 --> 42:38.800 underneath the tree it was a gift from Santa 42:39.900 --> 42:42.870 to every service member in my company 42:42.870 --> 42:44.170 and that had their name on it. 42:44.170 --> 42:48.110 We pulled everybody in, into the chow, the eating area 42:48.110 --> 42:53.110 where we were at and did a blessing, had chow, 42:53.120 --> 42:55.460 and then we gave out Christmas gifts to each other. 42:55.460 --> 42:59.790 So it was something they didn't expect and kind of 43:00.720 --> 43:03.113 made that day went really well. 43:04.170 --> 43:06.045 My Christmas story sir. 43:06.045 --> 43:07.382 - Tash, Martha? 43:07.382 --> 43:08.215 - Do you have one? 43:08.215 --> 43:10.912 (both laughing) 43:10.912 --> 43:13.912 - I have a lot of Christmas stories. 43:15.510 --> 43:17.230 Two of them they both involve family 43:17.230 --> 43:19.280 and I guess that's one of the big things. 43:20.941 --> 43:24.740 My one Christmas story is going home on leave 43:24.740 --> 43:26.870 and surprising my parents so I had a friend pick my up 43:26.870 --> 43:30.940 from the airport and took me to my parents house, 43:30.940 --> 43:33.080 went home on leave, surprised them for Christmas 43:33.080 --> 43:35.224 and almost gave my parents a heart attach 43:35.224 --> 43:37.600 as they opened the door so it was an awesome surprise 43:37.600 --> 43:39.540 but also kind of a scary one because please 43:39.540 --> 43:42.400 just don't have a heart attach today, out of all days, 43:42.400 --> 43:43.987 I don't need this and then the other one, 43:43.987 --> 43:45.733 involving my parents again, 43:46.990 --> 43:50.880 the first Christmas that both of my parents were 43:50.880 --> 43:55.220 diagnosed as cancer free so that was one of the best 43:55.220 --> 43:57.460 Christmas gifts that I have ever received. 43:57.460 --> 43:58.470 And as we're all talking about it, 43:58.470 --> 44:01.050 it's about being faithful and being grateful for 44:02.930 --> 44:05.470 everything you have, everything you are capable of doing, 44:05.470 --> 44:08.040 and everything you're capable of giving 44:08.040 --> 44:10.010 because being able to give somebody your time 44:10.010 --> 44:12.477 and your attention, especially around the holidays, 44:12.477 --> 44:15.343 can make the biggest impact on anybody. 44:16.400 --> 44:17.700 - True, thank you. 44:18.951 --> 44:22.590 - We had, when our daughters were little 44:22.590 --> 44:27.590 and a lot throughout their lifetime growing up, 44:28.250 --> 44:29.970 we went through a lot of deployments 44:29.970 --> 44:32.570 and it just seemed like the rotation was always 44:32.570 --> 44:35.400 around Christmas time so I think for me 44:35.400 --> 44:40.400 it was trying to maintain the excitement of the holiday 44:43.480 --> 44:47.541 and yet still be very present with the fact that 44:47.541 --> 44:50.950 the most important person in our family 44:50.950 --> 44:55.740 wasn't gonna be with us and how to we still be happy 44:57.880 --> 45:02.660 and make Craig feel included and bridge that gap 45:02.660 --> 45:06.570 between us and one specific time I remember when Craig 45:06.570 --> 45:10.500 had a strike group command, we decided, 45:10.500 --> 45:13.750 we had gotten each other iPads and we decided 45:13.750 --> 45:16.380 that we were gonna open our Christmas gifts together 45:16.380 --> 45:19.620 in spite of the time difference and at that time 45:19.620 --> 45:22.767 our daughter Jessica was not with us 45:22.767 --> 45:25.884 and our other daughter happened to be with us 45:25.884 --> 45:28.206 at home, happened to be with me at home, 45:28.206 --> 45:33.206 and so we sat and opened our Christmas presents, 45:34.490 --> 45:36.680 Christmas morning, Craig, I don't remember 45:36.680 --> 45:40.190 where you were overseas, but there was a significant 45:40.190 --> 45:42.500 time difference and I just thought at the time 45:42.500 --> 45:45.920 how neat is this that we can still keep our tradition 45:45.920 --> 45:50.790 opening our stockings together in spite of ten 45:50.790 --> 45:53.960 or fourteen hour time difference and that just really 45:55.107 --> 45:57.113 I thought was pretty special. 45:59.170 --> 46:02.505 - Well that's why we included everybody here tonight, 46:02.505 --> 46:04.190 this is our team and our family. 46:04.190 --> 46:05.817 Marty, you have something you want to add sir. 46:05.817 --> 46:10.220 - Sir I would just say to us family is paramount 46:10.220 --> 46:13.520 for myself, my wife, and two children 46:13.520 --> 46:16.810 so last year was the first year that other than deployments, 46:16.810 --> 46:18.680 that we weren't together because we were working 46:18.680 --> 46:23.680 in Europe before moved to here, so after that Christmas, 46:23.930 --> 46:26.470 we all got on Facebook, and we Facetimed 46:26.470 --> 46:28.330 and said all right never again. 46:28.330 --> 46:31.120 We want to travel, we'll travel, but our goal 46:31.120 --> 46:33.290 is to try to be together no matter where we're at 46:33.290 --> 46:35.900 in the United States together on Christmas 46:37.187 --> 46:39.823 and to share that time with the family 46:39.823 --> 46:41.740 and be with the family, its a critical time-- 46:41.740 --> 46:43.783 - Good priorities, thank you. 46:52.440 --> 46:55.763 About one question in the hopper here. 46:59.005 --> 47:01.430 If we don't get anymore after this one, we'll wrap it up. 47:01.430 --> 47:03.633 We really appreciate everybody dialing in. 47:06.380 --> 47:09.507 Technology, I think has worked well, little bit of calling 47:11.579 --> 47:13.380 for the Chief earlier we're through all that 47:13.380 --> 47:14.970 so well done to everybody so far. 47:14.970 --> 47:15.930 This is a really hard one. 47:15.930 --> 47:17.362 I'm gonna give it to Sergeant Major. 47:17.362 --> 47:19.210 (all laugh) 47:19.210 --> 47:20.043 - Its not that hard. 47:20.043 --> 47:21.440 I'm sure we can make this happen. 47:21.440 --> 47:24.457 Okay question, "Can you send out what are the approved 47:24.457 --> 47:27.107 "fundraising opportunities for the service members? 47:27.107 --> 47:29.597 "The reason I ask is if we attempt a fundraiser 47:29.597 --> 47:32.857 "by allowing service members to wear civilian attire 47:32.857 --> 47:35.367 "slash jersey's and donating money 47:35.367 --> 47:37.387 "that would be used to reduce cost for holiday 47:37.387 --> 47:39.890 "and social rests for service members. 47:39.890 --> 47:42.840 Okay fundraising on a military post 47:42.840 --> 47:45.655 and in a federal facility may be possible 47:45.655 --> 47:48.450 but it requires a careful review so we've got 47:48.450 --> 47:51.670 to give it to the SGA, make sure its legal 47:51.670 --> 47:54.600 and I say if its legal, lets do it. 47:54.600 --> 47:56.990 But we got to check and make sure it is legal 47:56.990 --> 48:00.099 and follow the rules and regulations 48:00.099 --> 48:02.442 that we live by every day. 48:02.442 --> 48:06.885 - Yeah, yep thanks. 48:06.885 --> 48:08.302 - Sergeant Major. 48:09.383 --> 48:10.908 - Its coming in for you now I guess. 48:10.908 --> 48:12.325 - Good questions. 48:15.265 --> 48:17.750 That is a good, so this is something I've been thinking 48:17.750 --> 48:20.866 about for a long time, doing a colors of SOUTHCOM, sir. 48:20.866 --> 48:23.268 You know, if we can get the band, we could do, 48:23.268 --> 48:27.840 we already do our colors stay up 24 hours a day. 48:27.840 --> 48:29.497 The question is, "Is it possible to do colors at 48:29.497 --> 48:30.930 "SOUTHCOM headquarters?" 48:30.930 --> 48:35.930 It is possible, you know, we keep them up 24 hours a day. 48:36.600 --> 48:41.600 Cause they're under lights and its communicated that way, 48:41.669 --> 48:45.497 but what I'd like to do sir is get the band 48:45.497 --> 48:49.100 and do a morning colors ceremony out there in the front. 48:49.100 --> 48:50.157 - I think they were, they talking 48:50.157 --> 48:51.504 about doing colors every morning? 48:51.504 --> 48:54.320 - Yeah, that might be a little difficult. 48:54.320 --> 48:55.777 - Yeah, might be a little difficult. 48:55.777 --> 48:58.110 - Our neighbors would definitely be blamed for that one sir. 48:58.110 --> 49:01.360 - You know, I lived in the Naval dormitory, 49:01.360 --> 49:03.587 you're the neighbor Marty. (all laugh) 49:03.587 --> 49:05.100 - (response drowned out by laughter) 49:05.100 --> 49:08.160 - We should be unashamed to play our, 49:08.160 --> 49:11.140 to sound our colors on our installations. 49:11.140 --> 49:13.750 We lived in Naval dormitory right in the heart of DC 49:13.750 --> 49:15.500 and they played that so loud I think half 49:15.500 --> 49:18.150 of Georgetown could hear it. (all chuckle) 49:18.150 --> 49:18.983 We miss that. 49:20.870 --> 49:23.800 The biggest challenge, really good question here, 49:23.800 --> 49:26.420 the biggest challenge going into the second year 49:26.420 --> 49:28.240 we've been blessed to have been a part 49:28.240 --> 49:31.540 of this fantastic team for a year, Martha and I, 49:31.540 --> 49:36.019 so thank you all and so what is the biggest challenge? 49:36.019 --> 49:39.410 I'm gonna break up two parts. 49:39.410 --> 49:44.410 The first one, the challenge I see is, and I feel it, 49:45.380 --> 49:48.380 is a sense of urgency with which we've got 49:48.380 --> 49:51.616 to really work together as a team 49:51.616 --> 49:54.000 to counter the threats here in the region. 49:54.000 --> 49:56.340 So we do that working through our partners. 49:56.340 --> 49:59.130 We also do that directly through many of the programs, 49:59.130 --> 50:02.341 the operations, activities, investments we have. 50:02.341 --> 50:06.480 We talk, I talk about a vicious circle of threats 50:06.480 --> 50:08.430 that are interlinked and that includes 50:08.430 --> 50:11.223 transnational criminal organizations, corruption, 50:12.290 --> 50:16.240 violent extremists, and external state actors; 50:16.240 --> 50:19.790 Russia, China, Iran that don't share the values 50:19.790 --> 50:22.615 and vision for a free and open, 50:22.615 --> 50:25.100 rules based international order that we do. 50:25.100 --> 50:26.990 And that is something that drives me 50:26.990 --> 50:28.820 and should drive everyone of us everyday 50:28.820 --> 50:31.960 and that's what our campaign plan is all about, 50:31.960 --> 50:36.870 is getting some synchronization into our activities, 50:36.870 --> 50:39.360 an alignment and unity of effort that allows us 50:39.360 --> 50:42.580 to move to the speed of relevance and get things done. 50:42.580 --> 50:47.580 Personally, the biggest challenge I believe as a leader 50:47.970 --> 50:50.060 is being able to look oneself in the mirror 50:50.060 --> 50:51.880 and know that you're worthy 50:51.880 --> 50:54.360 of leading this outstanding team. 50:54.360 --> 50:58.300 Staying on top of your game morally, mentally, physically, 50:58.300 --> 51:02.089 getting enough sleep, staying prepared, doing homework 51:02.089 --> 51:06.148 and being ready to provide leadership guidance 51:06.148 --> 51:09.600 and just a humble, sympathetic listening ear 51:09.600 --> 51:13.573 so that is probably the second part of that question. 51:14.730 --> 51:18.330 Favorite story from the region. 51:18.330 --> 51:19.600 I'm gonna hold that one. 51:19.600 --> 51:23.303 Okay, any questions in the hopper there Chief? 51:24.230 --> 51:25.570 - I think someone's out there messing 51:25.570 --> 51:27.080 with me on this one sir. 51:27.080 --> 51:29.772 This one's, "Can you tell us the parameters, 51:29.772 --> 51:34.718 "what the parameters are for low emissions vehicles? 51:34.718 --> 51:37.007 "SUVs are not low emissions. 51:37.007 --> 51:40.752 "Hybrid electric cars are low emissions." 51:40.752 --> 51:42.920 I don't know, that's what I got from the field sir. 51:42.920 --> 51:45.223 I don't know where that one came from. 51:45.223 --> 51:48.865 I think there was a curve ball out there that came my way. 51:48.865 --> 51:52.900 - I think that importance of being responsible 51:52.900 --> 51:54.230 with our environment is important 51:54.230 --> 51:57.143 and we all have a role to play in that, 51:59.710 --> 52:01.540 but we gotta focus on our mission 52:01.540 --> 52:04.553 so I think there's a role in there, thanks Marty. 52:04.553 --> 52:08.080 Sergeant Major, anything on this biggest challenge 52:08.080 --> 52:09.643 and then I'll-- 52:09.643 --> 52:11.300 - I think the biggest challenge for me 52:11.300 --> 52:14.950 at US Southern Command is getting up every morning 52:14.950 --> 52:17.470 and trying to do something for the command, 52:17.470 --> 52:22.200 make it better, make sure that I'm supporting you all 52:22.200 --> 52:27.200 in a way that effects team building across the command, sir. 52:27.260 --> 52:28.880 I think that's the biggest challenge for me. 52:28.880 --> 52:32.010 How everyday I can make this command better, sir. 52:32.010 --> 52:34.393 - Good, I feel the same way. 52:35.468 --> 52:37.490 - Sir can I chime in on that one? 52:37.490 --> 52:38.930 I'll just throw this one out. 52:38.930 --> 52:43.193 When I first took this job, the boss said, "Hey we need 52:43.193 --> 52:48.193 "a garrison that supports SOUTHCOM and the team." 52:48.736 --> 52:51.630 So that is what my number one priority has been 52:51.630 --> 52:54.530 in taking this job, so my biggest challenge 52:54.530 --> 52:57.290 in this organization is making sure that we are 52:57.290 --> 52:59.766 adding value to the SOUTHCOM mission 52:59.766 --> 53:03.410 and that's not always easy, but that is our number one 53:03.410 --> 53:06.380 priority and so if you do have issues with problems 53:06.380 --> 53:09.340 that impact the garrison that are impacting your ability 53:09.340 --> 53:13.110 to do you mission, I would ask you to get on the email, 53:13.110 --> 53:16.500 shoot me a note so we can make things happen 53:16.500 --> 53:18.603 and fix problems that are out there. 53:19.814 --> 53:20.790 - Thank you Marty. 53:20.790 --> 53:22.880 - Hey we're here to support you all. 53:22.880 --> 53:25.800 - Martha, Tash anything you wanna add there. 53:26.779 --> 53:29.340 - Just want to say thank you everybody for jumping in, 53:29.340 --> 53:31.773 asking questions, watching, listening. 53:32.920 --> 53:36.560 We really appreciate it because without any of you, 53:36.560 --> 53:40.080 we wouldn't be here so support goes full circle 53:40.080 --> 53:43.550 and I just want to wish everybody a very happy holiday 53:43.550 --> 53:45.320 whichever holiday you may be celebrating, 53:45.320 --> 53:48.380 I hope you celebrate it with your family, your friends, 53:48.380 --> 53:50.640 your loved ones and be safe. 53:50.640 --> 53:52.590 Remember the person to the left and right of you 53:52.590 --> 53:56.490 in your command and throughout this whole entire command, 53:56.490 --> 53:58.820 we're all here to support anybody and everybody. 53:58.820 --> 54:02.130 So don't ever be afraid to reach out and ask for help, 54:02.130 --> 54:04.043 especially around this time of the year. 54:06.249 --> 54:10.650 - Same with me, I am just really grateful 54:10.650 --> 54:13.230 to be a part of this team, of this family. 54:13.230 --> 54:17.780 I hope that everybody is just truly blessed 54:17.780 --> 54:22.070 this holiday season and that we come back, 54:22.070 --> 54:25.503 start the new year of running and work together. 54:27.670 --> 54:29.894 - Before we close out, I'll be sure I just want 54:29.894 --> 54:32.823 to thank everybody who participated tonight, 54:33.740 --> 54:36.750 who helped set this up, a tremendous effort 54:36.750 --> 54:40.800 and it goes into this investment of time and talent 54:40.800 --> 54:42.980 so thank you all for making that happen 54:42.980 --> 54:44.580 and we want to get the word out, 54:45.430 --> 54:48.890 tell some stories, take some questions, get your feedback. 54:48.890 --> 54:52.120 Its very helpful to us, hopefully its been helpful for you. 54:52.120 --> 54:54.520 Final for me-- 54:54.520 --> 54:57.093 - I'll let you finish sir, but one last thought 54:57.093 --> 54:57.926 before we're through sir? 54:57.926 --> 54:58.759 - Go ahead. 54:58.759 --> 55:00.270 - I just wanted to charge everybody to go out 55:00.270 --> 55:03.690 and make a difference tonight, this holiday season. 55:03.690 --> 55:05.173 Its important that if you reach out to somebody 55:05.173 --> 55:07.720 that you haven't touched maybe in a while, 55:07.720 --> 55:09.770 it maybe somebody to your left and right, 55:10.630 --> 55:13.485 the holidays is a stressful time, in our lives, 55:13.485 --> 55:18.485 get in here, (laughing) and you can make the difference 55:19.410 --> 55:22.183 for somebody to your left and right, a family member 55:22.183 --> 55:24.960 that you haven't touched in a long time, a friend 55:24.960 --> 55:27.910 that you haven't contacted, he may need your support, 55:27.910 --> 55:30.700 or she may need your support in some way, shape, or form 55:30.700 --> 55:33.537 so make that effort to reach out 55:33.537 --> 55:36.010 and touch someone this holiday season. 55:36.010 --> 55:38.340 Thanks for what you do, you're a great team 55:38.340 --> 55:42.037 and I'm just proud to be on it so thanks for having me, us. 55:44.770 --> 55:47.610 - We deployed the hospital ship Comfort to the region 55:47.610 --> 55:51.230 this year twice so lots of work went into that. 55:51.230 --> 55:54.480 The Comfort's mission and motto on its flight deck 55:54.480 --> 55:56.057 says "United we sail." 55:57.790 --> 55:59.103 We're united as a team. 56:00.180 --> 56:03.300 I have two quick stories from that Comfort 56:03.300 --> 56:05.290 that talk about making a difference 56:06.465 --> 56:09.200 and they both show the value of a handshake. 56:09.200 --> 56:12.890 In Haiti, Comfort brought calm, a Haitian woman 56:12.890 --> 56:15.097 came up to me with tears in her eyes and she said, 56:15.097 --> 56:18.497 "I've been waiting nine years for the return of Comfort. 56:18.497 --> 56:19.957 "I knew this ship would be back. 56:19.957 --> 56:22.120 "Thank you for keeping your promise." 56:22.120 --> 56:26.690 In Costa Rica, a little boy, maybe four or five years old, 56:26.690 --> 56:30.270 who was blind, had some other ailment, was waiting in line 56:30.270 --> 56:35.270 to see a doctor, came up to me and touched my face 56:37.270 --> 56:38.103 and his mother was with him. 56:38.103 --> 56:39.790 She was telling him what was going on. 56:39.790 --> 56:40.623 She had tears in her eyes. 56:40.623 --> 56:43.240 The little kid was just as happy as could be 56:43.240 --> 56:45.460 and he gave me a Spanish blessing and the mother 56:45.460 --> 56:48.810 thanked me, thanked us. 56:48.810 --> 56:52.530 Thanks for all of you and its a reminder that what we do, 56:52.530 --> 56:54.920 day in and day out, matters. 56:54.920 --> 56:58.040 It matters to the future, it matters right now, 56:58.040 --> 57:02.100 and its all about building security of this great nation, 57:02.100 --> 57:05.340 this world, our partners, this hemisphere, our neighborhood 57:05.340 --> 57:09.650 one person at a time so go out and make a difference. 57:09.650 --> 57:12.410 Thank someone, thank yourself, take care of yourself, 57:12.410 --> 57:13.830 take care of your families. 57:13.830 --> 57:15.201 Happy Holidays and God Bless. 57:15.201 --> 57:16.228 - Happy Holidays 57:16.228 --> 57:19.690 - And (laughter drowns out words) 57:19.690 --> 57:22.640 every day of the year I am joint, one team one fight, 57:22.640 --> 57:24.610 but on Army Navy day, beat army. 57:24.610 --> 57:25.840 Thank you very much. 57:25.840 --> 57:28.423 (all laughter)