The Deadline Presidency Nov 19, 2009
Asked if the press leaks about his Afghanistan strategy sessions upset him as much as they do Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Obama said they bother him even more. He went on to tell CBS's Chip Reid. (Slate)
Tenn. community buries soldier killed at Fort Hood Nov 19, 2009
United States Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, lower right, looks on as the honor guard folds the flag during services for Army Spc. Frederick Greene Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009 in Mountain City, Tenn. (MSNBC -- Crime)
Nicholas Thompson examines dueling viewpoints to the Cold War Nov 19, 2009
Nitze would spend the rest of his days in and out of key positions, playing a senior role during key events such as the Vietnam War (as assistant secretary of defense and secretary of the Navy) and as an arms control negotiator under Reagan. Neither would reach the top of his profession but for different reasons: Kennan was too emotional, contrarian, and stubborn while Nitze was often arrogant and condescending and did a poor job of managing upward. (Boston Globe)
Fact check: Guantanamo detainees and U.S. prisons Nov 19, 2009
Phil Carter, deputy assistant secretary of defense for detainee policy, said detainees' only visitors at Guantanamo Bay are attorneys, the Red Cross and diplomatic and law enforcement personnel. "They would not have friends and family coming to visit them here so that's not a concern," Carter said. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Accused Terrorist's Rights Not Violated by Military Counsel's Removal, Judge Finds Nov 19, 2009
Southern District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan ruled Wednesday that the rights of Ahmed Khalfan Ghailani were not violated by the decision of the Secretary of Defense to reassign the two lawyers designated to represent him when he was preparing for trial before a military commission ... 1023, Kaplan Wednesday denied Ghailani an injunction blocking the Secretary of Defense from reassigning Colwell and Reiter and allowing them to participate in his defense when he goes on trial next year. (Law.com)
CJCS - Chairman Honors Teachers Nov 19, 2009
Secretary of Defense ... Tommy T. Thomas, deputy undersecretary of defense for military community and family policy, was on hand to congratulate the departments top teachers. (DOD DefenseLINK)
Is the NSA spying on U.S. Internet traffic? Nov 19, 2009
Between 1989 and 1992, when Dick Cheney was the elder George Bush's secretary of defense, Addington served as his counsel ... " In October 2002, when the legal counsel for the military's Joint Chiefs of Staff attempted to conduct a thorough legal review of the techniques, Haynes ordered her to stop, because "people were going to see" the objections that some in the military had raised. On Nov. 27, 2002, Haynes recommended that Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld authorize many of the requested... (Yahoo News -- Online Privacy)
Purple Hearts for Fort Hood victims? Nov 18, 2009
Nonmilitary victims could receive the Secretary of Defense Medal for the Defense of Freedom, the civilian equivalent of the Purple Heart. Both military and civilian personnel killed or wounded in the November 5 attack would be granted the same legal status as combatant casualties in Afghanistan and Iraq. (CNN)
S Korea awaits Obama's visit for FTA, DPRK issues Nov 18, 2009
"As the troop dispatch has been already settled when U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates visited Seoul last month, there is no need to deal with the issue again," Yun Duk-min said. South Korea late last month announced a plan to dispatch troops to the South Asian country in a bid to protect its workers helping the U.S.-led Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT). (Xinhuanet, China)
Washington may agree to tweak U.S.-Japan military alliance Nov 18, 2009
But that might be easier said than done, as U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates raised eyebrows during his last visit to Tokyo when he bluntly pressured Japan's new government to "move on" quickly with a prior agreement to build a new U.S. airbase in Okinawa. Still, most of Japan's public views the presence of U.S. forces in their territory as necessary, unlike many in neighboring South Korea, for example. (Xinhuanet, China)
Federal officials give Thomson prison high marks Nov 17, 2009
Phil Carter, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for detainee policy, said 1,000 to 1,500 military and civilian Department of Defense employees would be part of the operation. Most of them being uniformed military, he said. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Japanese FM pushes for swift U.S. base realignment Nov 17, 2009
Consolidating the heliport functions of Futemma to the Kadena Air Base is an idea that has already been considered and dismissedin past negotiations between Japan and the United States, most recently by U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates who visited Tokyo last month for preliminary talks on the subject. "We've looked over the years at all these alternatives and they are either politically untenable or operationally unworkable, so we need to proceed with the agreement as negotiated," Gates... (Xinhuanet, China)
U.S. On Terrorism After One of Thei... Nov 17, 2009
Last week, President Obama met with Secretary of Defense Robert Michael Gates, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mullen and FBI Director Mueller to discuss the appropriate steps to take in assisting the families of the victims, as well as securing Fort Hood. President Obama Urges Congress to Wait on Military and U.S. Intelligence Prior to Investigating. (Suite101.com)
Access to Obama Remarks Blocked in China Nov 17, 2009
Meanwhile, Congress grants all new powers to the Secretary of Defense to keep any information, even evidence of criminality by high government officials, secret from the citizenry, invoking "States Secrets" and "National Security". Yes, the Democratic majority in response to the courts agreeing REPEATEDLY with FOIA requests for photographs and other materials showing evidence of torture by Americans against Iraqis and Afghanis during the Bush/Cheney Regime, circumvented the Rule of Law and... (CBS News)
Mr. Obama's War Nov 16, 2009
To lead his politically-correct war, Mr. Obama s team starts with Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, who gladly leads the president s long-range plans to gut our defense capabilities ... He served as a deputy undersecretary of defense in President George H.W. Bush's administration. (Human Events Online)
Carter To Introduce Bill Giving Fort Hood Victims Combatant Status Nov 16, 2009
"Our wounded and the families of those who lost their lives should receive the same treatment, recognition, and benefits as if the attack occurred on a U.S. military installation in Iraq or Afghanistan, he said. While many of the military and survivor benefits for the Fort Hood victims are the same as for combatants, the combatant status would make the dead and injured soldiers eligible for the Purple Heart Medal and the civilian casualties eligible for the Secretary of Defense Medal of... (KWTX.com, TX)
For massive ego, a perfect arena Nov 15, 2009
"I know him well, and if he gets his way in federal court, it will be a circus," said Charles D. "Cully" Stimson, who was deputy assistant secretary of defense for detainee affairs in the Bush administration. "The court will have to rein in his speechifying and keep the focus on his criminal behavior.". (MSNBC -- Terrorism)
* 9/11 plotters to be tried in New York Nov 15, 2009
US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates hailed the move as a major step forward as Obama seeks to close the detention center at the US naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba by his self-imposed Jan. 22 deadline. Officials said that up to 65 of the 215 inmates who still linger at Guantanamo are ready for trial and Holder said to expect more announcements in the very near future. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Gates Blocks Detainee Abuse Photos Nov 15, 2009
Secretary of Defense Says Their Release Could Put Americans in Danger. Font size. (CBS News)
Halliburton Contract Critic Loses Her Job Nov 15, 2009
"I observed, first hand, that essentially every aspect of the [Restore Iraqi Oil] contract remained under the control of the Office of the Secretary of Defense. This troubled me and was wrong.". Greenhouse has been the Army Corps' top procurement official since 1997. (Yahoo News -- Halliburton)
The Week in Review Nov 15, 2009
- UGA announced that U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates will give the graduation speech at fall commencement exercises. On Thursday. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Fairbanks cabbie has watched town grow for 51 years Nov 15, 2009
Marshall immediately recognized the president and Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger. He settled them into the cab and arrived at the ice cream parlor shortly before its midnight closing. (Anchorage Daily News)
* Taiwans friend James Lilley passes away aged 81 Nov 15, 2009
After his ambassadorship in Beijing, Lilley became a forceful X and public X proponent of greater US support for Taiwan, efforts that he continued after being appointed assistant secretary of defense for international affairs from 1991 to 1993. He often clashed with the US Department of State over arms sales to Taiwan, arguing that it would be unwise to grant Beijing the cutoff date that it sought. (Taipei Times, Taiwan)
Obama meets Japan's Hatoyama, stressing equal partnership Nov 14, 2009
" Despite the longtime slump in the publishing industry, four books that compile Obama's speeches (and comes with CD) have sold a total of 750,000 copies in the past year, according to Yuzo Yamamoto at Asahi Press, the book's publisher. Japan's many antinuclear activists admire Obama's championing of a nuclear-free world, a cause that helped him win the Nobel Peace Prize in last month. More Japanese are urging the president to visit Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the cities hit by atomic bombs during... (Christian Science Monitor)
Japan: A new battle over Okinawa Nov 14, 2009
Recently, US heavyweights such as Richard Lawless, former deputy under secretary of defense, have also appeared frequently in Japanese media to reiterate Gates' warning. Tensions over the US troops stationed on the island, which have simmered since three US servicemen were convicted for the rape of a 12-year-old girl in Okinawa in 1995, are again on the rise. (Asia Times Online)
Army study: Mental health staff lacking in Afghanistan Nov 14, 2009
Although Secretary of Defense Robert Gates has pushed to remove the stigma within the military for those who seek mental health counseling, the study found that soldiers still aren't convinced. Despite its effort tackle suicides and growing mental health needs, the Obama administration still hasn't nominated an assistant or deputy assistant secretary of defense for health affairs. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Newly assertive Japan to test Obama Nov 13, 2009
(Look no further than the uncompromising comments made by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates during an October stop in Japan. . (Christian Science Monitor -- USA)
U.S. Military Sees PC Instead of Jihad Nov 13, 2009
Hesham Islam, an Islamic aide to then-Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England, rejected what Coughlin's brief said about Islamic jihad, even though the brief, which I've had the opportunity to attend, relies solely on authoritative Islamic sources. Under Islam's tutelage, England and the rest of the Pentagon brass preferred outreach -- you know, Muslim outreach -- even to unindicted Muslim co-conspirators in government terrorism cases. (Townhall.com)
Obama ordering review of intel prior to attack at Fort Hood base Nov 13, 2009
In a memorandum to Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Director of National Intelligence Dennis Blair, and FBI Robert Mueller to review the inventory of files they had on Army Major Nidal Malik Hasan prior to his alleged Nov. 6 shooting at the military base in Texas. The preliminary results of the review will be presented to Obama's assistant for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, John Brennen, by the end of this month. (TheHill.com)
2012: End-of-World Disaster Porn Nov 13, 2009
" impulse, you'll find the movie's only scintillating scenes: the Curtis family's escape in a van through L.A. streets that cave in two seconds after Jackson careers over them, and a ride in a small plane that somehow flies between two downtown skyscrapers at the moment they collapse toward each other. Each boast effects work that is technically sophisticated, dramatically cheesy and kinetically irresistible. (These two thrillathon sequences can be found on .) For all the logorrhea of the... (Time.com)
Obama's man in Afghanistan Nov 13, 2009
He advised U.S. secretary of defense on China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Mongolia ... He also advised the U.S. secretary of defense on China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Mongolia, and was deputy director for strategy, plans and policy on the Army staff. (CNN -- World)
5 Things We Can Learn from China Nov 13, 2009
" 1 MORE Add to my: Blog this on: "" ROBERT GATES, the U.S. secretary of defense, on leaks in the Obama administration about who supports a troop increase in Afghanistan and who wants a more limited approach For use in rail of Articles page or Section Fronts pages. Duplicate and change name as necesssary to distinguish. Time.com on Digg POWERED BY digg More News from Our Partners Top Stories on TIME.com "" ROBERT GATES, the U.S. secretary of defense, on leaks in the Obama administration about... (Time.com)
Fantastic Mr. Fox: Wes Anderson's Return to Form Nov 13, 2009
" It's a hilarious moment, but perhaps only if you're familiar with the crew of other insecure brats Schwartzman has played for Anderson. But there is also much humor in the purer, simpler Wallace and Gromit vein as well, enough to bewitch the youthful members of the audience. The foxes are entirely civilized until it comes to meals; then they gobble feverishly and without restraint. Kylie is a loyal sidekick but not the brightest opossum in all the land; when confused, his eyes transform into... (Time.com)
US salutes 'Mighty Mouse' who ended Fort Hood massacre Nov 12, 2009
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates meets with Police Sgt. Kimberly Munley at a hospital in Ft. Hood, Texas, on November 10. Sergeant Kimberly Munley, a 34-year-old mother of two, had already earned the nickname "Mighty Mouse" before she confronted the gunman at Fort Hood and averted an even greater massacre. (Yahoo! Asia News)
Drones: A slam-dunk weapons system Nov 12, 2009
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates jumped onto the drone bandwagon early. He has long been pressing the air force to invest ever less in expensive manned aircraft - he's called the F-35, still in development, the last manned fighter aircraft - and ever more in the robotic kind. (Asia Times Online)
Sec. of Defense to talk at UGA graduation Nov 12, 2009
U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates will be the speaker for s fall undergraduate commencement ceremony Dec. 18 ... Gates was sworn in on Dec. 18, 2006, as the 22nd secretary of defense ... Gates is the only secretary of defense in U.S. history to be asked to remain in that office by a newly elected president. (Atlanta Business Chronicle, GA)
Injured Fort Hood Heroine Tells Oprah She's 'Doing Well' Nov 12, 2009
Sgt. Kimberly Munley, the civilian police officer credited with bringing down the gunman during the Fort Hood shooting spree, is shown with Secretary of Defense Robert Gates in her hospital room on Tuesday. Sgt. KimberlyMunley, who is hospitalized in good condition with three gunshot wounds, spoke to Winfrey by teleconference for TheOprah Winfrey Show. (W-USA News, DC)
Police officer hailed as hero in Fort Hood shooting recalls chaos Nov 12, 2009
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates met with police Sgt. Kimberly Munley at a hospital in Fort Hood, Texas, yesterday. Munley, a first responder who fired shots at the suspected gunman, was shot during the rampage. (Honolulu Advertiser)
University grads will hearDefense chief Gates Nov 12, 2009
com U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates will give the graduation speech at fall commencement exercises, the University of Georgia said Wednesday ... U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates will give the graduation speech at fall commencement exercises, the University of Georgia said Wednesday ... Adams and Gates were colleagues from 2002 through most of 2006 - when Gates served as president of Texas Aersity while Adams led UGA. Gates was sworn in as Secretary of Defense on Dec. 18, 2006. (Athens Banner-Herald)
The Folly Of A `Drone War' Nov 12, 2009
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates jumped onto the drone bandwagon ... Its success sent Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld into retirement and ignominy. (CBS News)
Fort Hood Hero Nov 12, 2009
This image provided by the U.S. Department of Defense shows Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates meeting with Police Sgt. Kimberly Munley at a hospital in Fort Hood, Texas, Tuesday Nov. 10, 2009. Munley was one of the first officers respond to the shooting rampage at Fort Hood on Nov. 5, 2009. (CBS News)
Retired general against more troops in Afghanistan Nov 12, 2009
The former deputy assistant secretary of defense honored all veterans earlier in the day at the Ormond Memorial Art Museum at a ceremony where three artists' work is being considered for a Korean War memorial. But at the luncheon, instead of direct discussion about patriotic support of the military, the 26-year combat arms officer -- who served eight years on the Army General Staff and helped develop military counterinsurgency doctrine -- challenged the members with his outlook on the economy. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
Officials: Pentagon Probed Finances Nov 12, 2009
These efforts are overseen by the Pentagon's Counterintelligence Field Activity agency, or CIFA, which was established in September 2002 by then-Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul D. Wolfowitz. CIFA is charged with coordinating policy and overseeing the domestic counterintelligence activities of Pentagon agencies and the armed forces. (Yahoo News -- Privacy Issues)
ARLINGTON CEMETERY: Alive with history in new book Nov 11, 2009
Sorensen was a Kennedy adviser, but it was Kennedy's secretary of Defense, , who suggested the murdered president be buried at Arlington. (His brother, Sen. (USA Today)
Perdue visits troops in Iraq Nov 11, 2009
Before leaving Washington, Perdue also met with Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. In his briefings with American leaders, he said, he shared his concern over deployment fatigue, not just so much among the guardsmen and women serving long stretches at war, but among their families and employers back home. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Another View: What happened at Ft. Hood Nov 11, 2009
Bing West, military author, assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs in the Reagan administration. Maj. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
* Obama has to address US future on Asia trip Nov 10, 2009
US President Barack Obama is to begin his first trip to Asia as president this week, striding along a trail blazed by his straight-talking secretary of defense, Robert Gates. Stripped of diplomatic lingo, Gates has recently insisted that the Japanese proceed with a realignment of US forces as agreed after 15 years of negotiation. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Japan Protests U.S. Military Ahead of Obama Visit Nov 10, 2009
In late October, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates pushed Hatoyama to uphold Japan's end of the 2006 agreement. "Secretary Gates played the bad cop so that President Obama won't have to," says Michael Green, senior adviser and Japan chair of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington-based think tank. (Time.com)
A Tale of Two Shootings Nov 10, 2009
I was one of them in an April 2003 article in Insight Magazine I quoted former Assistant Secretary of Defense Frank Gaffney stating "If [extreme] Islamists have infiltrated into the [armed] services it is a matter of grave concern because, by definition, Islamists are engaged in advancing an agenda that is inimical to this country and what it is and what it stands for, and its security most especially.". The Islamic jihadists who are waging this war against America want our soldiers to not feel... (Townhall.com)
Carnage at General Motors Nov 10, 2009
All this brings to mind former GM president Charles Erwin Wilson's famous quote, delivered behind closed doors during Senate hearings in 1953 after his nomination for secretary of defense by President Eisenhower. Wilson was asked if, in his capacity as secretary of defense, he would be able to make a decision that might hurt the interests of General Motors. (Salon)
After years of growing tensions, 7 minutes of bloodshed Nov 10, 2009
"They told him that he would be allowed out only if Rumsfeld himself OK'd it," said a cousin, Nader Hasan, referring to Donald H. Rumsfeld, then the secretary of defense ... " Around 2004, Hasan started feeling disgruntled about the Army, relatives said. He described anti-Muslim harassment and sought legal advice, possibly from an Army lawyer, about getting a discharge. But because he owed the Army money for his education, and probably because the Army was in great need of mental health... (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
When war comes home Nov 10, 2009
Commenting on the incident in nearly parallel terms, US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said that the Pentagon needs to redouble its efforts to relieve stress caused by repeated deployments in war zones that is further exacerbated by limited time at home in between deployments. The condition described by Mullen and Gates is what veteran health experts often refer to as post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.. (Asia Times Online)
Army Therapists Stretched Too Thin? Nov 10, 2009
"It's the face to face counseling that's so important for preventing and treating PTSD," said former Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Dr. S. Ward Casscells. The Army has just over 400 psychiatrists to treat nearly 550,000 active duty soldiers. (CBS News)
AP sources: US troops likely for Afghan in January Nov 10, 2009
fiddy6bills wrote on Oct 7, 2009 11:55 AM:" Foss-The President is not required to, but it shows respect if he does. I have a friend who was a crewmember on Marine 1 (presidents helicopter) late in the Clinton and early in the Bush administrations. Clinton never saluted, he just said "hey there" or something else ignorant. Bush salutes without fail. Bush 41 , Reagan and Carter all made a point to salute. The military member is expected to hold the salute until it is returned or until the... (Longview Daily News, WA)
* Okinawans demand removal of US base Nov 9, 2009
US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates has urged Japan to approve the plan ahead of Obamas visit, which is scheduled to start on Friday. Hatoyama, who vowed to build a more equal relationship with the US, said in the run-up to his August election victory the base that should be moved off the island. (Taipei Times, Taiwan)
Cheney says terror attack was 'act of war' Nov 9, 2009
Cheney also gave a talk to the Economic Club in 1994 as a former U.S. Secretary of Defense. Economic Club President Michael Cook said Cheney and Colin Powell are the only two people the club has invited to speak twice. (St. Joseph Herald-Pallidium, MI)
When duty calls Nov 8, 2009
On Friday, soldiers prepared to execute full military honors during McNabb s funeral, which, according to the Office of the Secretary of Defense, includes, at a minimum, the folding and presenting of the American flag to the next of kin and the playing of Taps. McNabb s service was also scheduled to include a 21-gun salute. (Terrell Tribune, TX)
Dogs vs. SUVs vs. the earth, debunked Nov 7, 2009
ve nonsense" You have called him a "young Hamlet" over his hesitation about making a decision on Afghanistan. However, he's just carefully considering the options after Bush shot so often from the hip. No. The strategy he's revising is not the Bush strategy, it's the Obama strategy. On March 27, he stood there with a background of flags, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on one side and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates on the other, and said: "Today, I'm announcing a comprehensive, new... (Salon)
Veterans Day Ceremony set for 11 a.m. Nov. 11 Nov 7, 2009
Wax served at the Air Force Office of Information, handled strategic airlift assignments for Air Force personnel operations, and managed secretary of defense competitive programs. He also served as the Director of Plans and Programs at Headquarters U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany. (Rockport Pilot, TX)
Soldiers, health system under strain Nov 7, 2009
Vacant positionsThe top civilian health position of assistant secretary of defense for health affairs is vacant and is being temporarily filled by Ellen Embrey, a hard-working career administrator who colleagues say lacks the authority of a political appointee to push the military services and the health-care bureaucracy in the right direction. Three other top positions -- the principal deputy, the deputy for clinical programs and policy, and the chief financial officer post -- are also... (MSNBC -- Terrorism)
Wyndcrest Announces Military Training and Simulation Team Nov 7, 2009
DuBois is currently a resident senior advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, DC. Before joining CSIS in March of 2006, DuBois was the Acting Under Secretary of the Army for over a year and prior to that served as the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense and Director of Administration and Management of the Office of the Secretary of Defense from 2001 to 2005 ... From April 2001 through November 2004, DuBois served as the deputy under secretary of defense... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
The man who sold the war Nov 7, 2009
The letter is signed by everyone who's headed the CIA since 1973 and is still living, with just two exceptions -- former President George H.W. Bush and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. Included among the signatories are three men appointed to their post by former President Clinton -- R. James Woolsey, John Deutch and George Tenet -- and two appointed by President George W. Bush, Porter Goss and Michael Hayden. (Salon)
NATIONAL GUARD - FY 2010 Bill Includes Guard Nov 6, 2009
In rejecting the requested increase, the conferees instead directed that the secretary of defense must submit a report on the duties, requirements, current and future demand, and recommend limits regarding National Guard non-dual status technicians ... The act also requires the secretary of defense to implement a plan to improve mental health care access for families of Guard and Reserve members deployed overseas ... It also requires a report from the secretary of defense on the various... (DOD DefenseLINK)
Russia, India and China go their ways Nov 5, 2009
The Pentagon press release on the talks in Washington between US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and the visiting vice chairman of China's People's Liberation Army Central Military Commission, General Xu Caihou, said the two sides "agreed on the need to work together" on Afghanistan and Pakistan. Pentagon press secretary Geoff Morrell said, "The takeaway is that there was broad agreement on the importance of, and how to deal with, the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and the need to work... (Asia Times Online)
Who's important? Gates gets H1N1 flu shot; Obama doesn't Nov 5, 2009
" Across the Potomac they followed a different logic, however, with Secretary of Defense Robert Gates receiving the vaccine, even though at 66 he's not in any of the priority at-risk age groups.Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell said Gates reasoned that as the country's top defense official it was important that he not fall ill. "At a time when we have security challenges around the world, even beyond wars we are fighting, the secretary thinks it is the responsible thing to do," Morrell said.The... (Fresno Bee)
