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Seattle/Puget Sound/Western Wash. News Releases for Sep. 03, 2010 - 10:30 am.
09/01/10
Uniform Tsunami Warning Signal adopted in Oregon
Oregon Military Department - 09/01/10
Years of hard work have paid off for tsunami response on the Oregon coast. The Uniform Tsunami Warning
signal is now in place and local communities have up to five years to transition to the new standard signal. Risk to lives will be reduced by applying a uniform siren signal to inform the public of an approaching tsunami on the Oregon coast.

"Due to the recent earthquake events around the world, it has been clear the general public is uncertain how our alerting systems will work," said Althea Rizzo, Oregon Emergency Management Tsunami and Earthquake specialist.

Taking lessons learned from the States Amber Plan and working with local broadcast mediums, a work group, together since 2006, has worked toward the goal of creating a standardized warning system.

Under the direction of Oregon Emergency Management (OEM), a team of specialists has reviewed existing research and best practices on tsunami warning systems and decided on a uniform state signal that provides the necessary consistency to reduce potential conflicts and confusion. The new standard signal is the up-and-down wail that lasts for three minutes.

The siren test time is designed to roughly coincide with the weekly National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio tests. Tsunami warning sirens will be tested on the first Wednesday of each month at 11:00 a.m.

Based on Oregon Senate Bill 557, Section 2 the uniform tsunami warning signal administrative rules must specify type of signal, duration of signal, volume of signal and location of delivery device.
08/30/10
OSP Traffic Stop west of Sandy leads to 2 lbs. of Marijuana and Arrest of Olympia, Washington Man (Photos)
Oregon State Police - 08/30/10
Stockert
Stockert
An Oregon State Police (OSP) traffic stop for violation of Oregon's cell phone law led to the seizure of approximately 2 lbs. of marijuana and the arrest of an Olympia, Washington man Monday afternoon on Highway 26 west of Sandy.

On August 30, 2010 at approximately 12 noon an OSP trooper stopped a black Nissan Frontier pickup displaying Washington license plates for unlawful use of a mobile communication device (cell phone) on Highway 26 near Kelso Road. The driver, ZACHARY JOHN-RICHARD STOCKERT, age 26, from Olympia, Washington was displaying signs of impairment and the trooper noted an overwhelming odor of marijuana coming from inside the pickup.

Initial check with Oregon DMV indicated STOCKERT's driving privileges were suspended in Oregon. Subsequent further investigation led to his arrest for DUII-Drugs and the seizure of approximately 2 lbs. of marijuana inside two backpacks and a jar. The marijuana has an estimated value of $5,000.

STOCKERT was lodged at the Clackamas County Jail for DUII-Drugs and Unlawful Possession and Distribution of a Controlled Substance – Marijuana. He was also cited for Driving While Suspended, Driving Uninsured, and Unlawful Use of a Mobile Communication Device.

Photograph Source: Clackamas County Sheriff's Office

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: Stockert
Family, friends to welcome 8th Airlift Squadron home
62nd Airlift Wing, Joint Base Lewis-McChord - 08/30/10
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. – More than 120 Airmen from McChord Field's 8th Airlift Squadron will be greeted by family and friends here Thursday morning after a 120-day deployment in support of Operations ENDURING and IRAQI FREEDOM.
The 8th AS Airmen were deployed as the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron to an overseas contingency location in the Middle East.

During their deployment, the C-17 squadron flew 2,789 sorties, equaling more than 7,000 hours, moved more than 37,000 passengers and delivered more than 115 million pounds of combat sustainment cargo for U.S. military forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Earlier this month, the 816th EAS participated in Operation EVEREST. They dropped a record-breaking 837 bundles on 22 drop zones with a combined weight of more than 1.1 million pounds of cargo. The record of 837 bundles is the highest number of bundles dropped in a week ever by a C-17 squadron.

"I've really enjoyed watching this team work -- setting a goal, setting the bar high and watching them achieve it," said Lt. Col. Stephen Ritter, 816th EAS commander. "They came in from day one to do the job right and to help everyone do great things. It just goes to show the great things you can achieve when you build a cohesive, tight, professional team."
08/28/10
PHOTO RELEASE: Oregon National Guard dedicates new facility in honor of Charles L. Deibert
Oregon Military Department - 08/28/10
Oregon Governor Ted R. Kulongoski (left), stands with Charles L. Deibert, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, and his wife Suzanne, during the dedication ceremony of a new facility named in honor of Deibert, Aug. 28, in Salem, Ore.  The Charles L.
Oregon Governor Ted R. Kulongoski (left), stands with Charles L. Deibert, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, and his wife Suzanne, during the dedication ceremony of a new facility named in honor of Deibert, Aug. 28, in Salem, Ore. The Charles L.
100828-A-6947H-001: Attendees of the Charles L. Deibert Operations Facility honor the colors during the playing of the National Anthem during the building's dedication ceremony, in Salem, Ore., Aug. 28. From right to left are: Oregon Governor Ted R. Kulongoski; Charles L. Deibert, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army; Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, The Adjutant General, Oregon; and Lt. Col. (ret.) Keith D. Bauder, Division Chief of the Combating Weapons of Mass Destruction Division, National Guard Bureau. The new facility replaces the Army Aviation Support Facility #1, just off Turner Road, adjacent to McNary Field in Salem. Oregon Army National Guard units, including the 2-641 Aviation Battalion and 102nd Civil Support Team are headquartered in the new building. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Zach Holden, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs).

100828-A-6947H-002: Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, The Adjutant General, Oregon (right), presents Charles L. Deibert, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, a photo of the newly-dedicated building named in his honor, at the facility's dedication ceremony, Aug. 28, in Salem, Ore. Deibert, a former member of the Oregon Army National Guard, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, among other recognition, for heroic actions as a reconnaissance pilot during the Vietnam conflict. The new facility replaces the Army Aviation Support Facility #1, just off Turner Road, adjacent to McNary Field in Salem. Oregon Army National Guard units, including the 2-641 Aviation Battalion and 102nd Civil Support Team are headquartered in the new building. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Zach Holden, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs).

100828-A-6947H-003: Oregon Governor Ted R. Kulongoski, (center left), Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, The Adjutant General, Oregon (center), and Charles L. Deibert, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (center right), stand among other guests and attendees for the ribbon cutting portion of the dedication ceremony for the Charles L. Deibert Operations Facility, Aug. 28, in Salem, Ore. The new facility replaces the Army Aviation Support Facility #1, just off Turner Road, adjacent to McNary Field in Salem. Oregon Army National Guard units, including the 2-641 Aviation Battalion and 102nd Civil Support Team are headquartered in the new building. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Zach Holden, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs).

100828-A-6947H-004: Oregon Governor Ted R. Kulongoski (center), Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, The Adjutant General, Oregon (center right), Charles L. Deibert, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (center left), Lt. Col. (ret.) Keith D. Bauder, Division Chief of the Combating Weapons of Mass Destruction Division, National Guard Bureau (right), and Warrant Officer-1 David McPherson, cut the ceremonial cake during the dedication ceremony for the Charles L. Deibert Operations Facility, Aug. 28, in Salem, Ore. The new facility replaces the Army Aviation Support Facility #1, just off Turner Road, adjacent to McNary Field in Salem. Oregon Army National Guard units, including the 2-641 Aviation Battalion and 102nd Civil Support Team are headquartered in the new building. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Zach Holden, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs).

100828-A-6947H-005: Oregon Governor Ted R. Kulongoski (left), stands with Charles L. Deibert, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, and his wife Suzanne, during the dedication ceremony of a new facility named in honor of Deibert, Aug. 28, in Salem, Ore. The Charles L. Deibert Operations Facility replaces an older building located just off Turner Road, adjacent to McNary Field in Salem. Oregon Army National Guard units, including the 2-641 Aviation Battalion and 102nd Civil Support Team are headquartered in the new building. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Zach Holden, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs).


To read the citation for the Distinguished Service Cross which was awarded to Deibert, visit: http://militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=5208.

To view a video biography of Deibert's life, produced by the Oregon Military Department, visit: http://videos.oregonlive.com/oregonian/2010/08/vietnan_veteran_larry_deibert.html.


Attached Media Files: Oregon Governor Ted R. Kulongoski (left), stands with Charles L. Deibert, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, and his wife Suzanne, during the dedication ceremony of a new facility named in honor of Deibert, Aug. 28, in Salem, Ore. The Charles L. , Oregon Governor Ted R. Kulongoski (center), Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, The Adjutant General, Oregon (center right), Charles L. Deibert, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (center left), Lt. Col. (ret.) Keith D. Bauder, Division Chief of the Combat , Oregon Governor Ted R. Kulongoski, (center left), Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, The Adjutant General, Oregon (center), and Charles L. Deibert, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (center right), stand among other guests and attendees for the ribbon cu , Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, The Adjutant General, Oregon (right), presents Charles L. Deibert, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, a photo of the newly-dedicated building named in his honor, at the facility’s dedication ceremony, Aug. 28, in Salem, , Attendees of the Charles L. Deibert Operations Facility honor the colors during the playing of the National Anthem during the building’s dedication ceremony, in Salem, Ore., Aug. 28. From right to left are: Oregon Governor Ted R. Kulongoski; Charles L. D
08/26/10
UPDATE: Portland Police Investigate Shooting Involving US Marshals
Portland Police Bureau - 08/26/10
The Portland Police Bureau identified the suspect involved in today's shooting with U.S. Marshal's personnel as 23 year-old Adam Berndt. Berndt was transported to an area hospital and is still in critical but stable condition. There are no other arrests associated with this shooting at this time. Persons inside the residence Berndt exited from were detained until investigators had a chance to speak with them and were then released. The Portland Police Bureau will continue this investigation into the evening.

***Original Message Below***

Today August 26, 2010 at a little after 12:00 p.m., U.S. Marshals personnel were assisting members of the Vancouver Safe Streets Task Force and the Vancouver Police Department Career Criminal Apprehension Team in locating and apprehending a wanted subject at a residence near the 4600 Block of Northeast 95th Avenue in Portland. While attempting to serve the arrest warrant, the suspect fired at US Marshals personnel who returned fire and shot the suspect. No law enforcement personnel suffered any injuries as a result of today's shooting. The suspect was transported by ambulance to an area hospital in critical condition. The suspects name is being withheld at this time.

The Portland Police Bureau's Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT) responded along with several uniformed officers to secure the scene until it was safe for residents to return to their homes.

The suspect was wanted for a Parole Violation and is a suspect in a shooting in Vancouver, Washington on August 25, 2010.

This is an ongoing investigation. Portland Police Detectives are interviewing witnesses and will be conducting the investigation into today's shooting.

Contact Information:
Eric Wahlstrom
U.S. Marshals Service
(503) 326-3157

Sgt. Kevin Allais
Clark County Sheriff's Office
(360) 397-2020
08/20/10
McChord readies for Pakistan relief operations
62nd Airlift Wing, Joint Base Lewis-McChord - 08/20/10
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. – Active duty and Reserve aircrews assigned to 62nd and 446th Airlift Wing will depart McChord Field Monday for Pakistan Humanitarian Relief operations.

The United States has responded immediately and generously to Pakistan's call for assistance following the tragic and devastating floods that started on July 29.

"The U.S. is committed to the welfare of the people of Pakistan and will continue to provide assistance during this period of terrible suffering," said Col. Kevin J. Kilb, 62nd Airlift Wing commander. "The U.S. government applauds the Government of Pakistan efforts to provide support to its citizens and stands ready, with the international community, to further support these efforts."

Media members are invited to do plane side interviews with departing aircrews at 11:45 on Monday, Aug. 23.
08/10/10
More Blood Donors Needed Now
American Red Cross Blood Services - 08/10/10
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2010-08/1812/37415/ARCH2ltr.gif
Scheduled appointments hovering at 25% below optimal

The local American Red Cross is experiencing low appointment bookings and turnout for blood donations. The Red Cross is asking all eligible donors to take time out of their busy schedules to roll up their sleeves and give blood as soon as possible. School is out, last minute family vacations are in full swing, and this has left the region with a substantial gap to fill. "We are having a really tough time even reaching people to schedule their appointments." says Tim Lippert, donor resources manager. "If someone is thinking about making an appointment, they can give us a call, and we'll be happy to find a location that is convenient for them."

The region typically schedules about 1,000 appointments each weekday to meet patient needs. "To the 8 out of 10 scheduled donors who are able to keep their scheduled appointments, I say a heart-felt ‘thank you'. But hospital patients in Oregon and Washington still need those additional donors. The blood must be available when and where its needed." says Steve Stegeman, regional chief executive officer. "Blood donation only takes about one hour and we are confident that residents in Oregon and Washington will answer this much needed call to action."

As a thank you, Monday, August 9 through Sunday, August 15, the American Red Cross will be offering double reward points for all eligible donors who present at any location throughout Oregon and Washington to donate blood. In addition to possibly helping a patient in need, donors can double up on their reward towards some great items including: T-shirts, water bottles, music download cards, and even flip flops. More details about the online recognition program are located on the webpage http://www.redcrossblood.org/pnw .

Blood products are routinely transfused to those with cancer, trauma and burn victims, premature babies, transplant recipients, and those living with chronic diseases. The need for blood does not take a vacation and blood donors are needed year-round. All eligible donors are asked to make an appointment by calling 1-800 RED CROSS or by visiting www.redcrossblood.org

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit www.redcrossblood.org to schedule a blood donation or to sponsor a blood drive.

###


Attached Media Files: 2010-08/1812/37415/ARCH2ltr.gif
Police Seek Suspect in Connection with Disappearance of FL Woman
Portland Police Bureau - 08/10/10
2010-08/3056/37404/Tent.jpg
2010-08/3056/37404/Tent.jpg
A nationwide Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution arrest warrant for auto theft has been issued for 26-year old Joseph Dean Roberts. Roberts is also a person of interest in connection with the disappearance of 45-year old Brittany Jeniveve Tavar. Tavar has been missing from the Jacksonville, Florida area since July 6, 2010.

Roberts has connections in the Northwest and investigators believe he may currently be in the area.

Roberts was last seen with the victim during the time frame of her disappearance and he told neighbors that he was the victim's nephew, however, that is not true according to family members contacted by the St. John's County (FL) Sheriff's Office. The victim along with her vehicle, a 2004 dark blue Toyota Rav4, and her two dogs went missing from her residence in the North Beach area of St. Augustine, Florida. Both dogs were recovered in Hopkins, South Carolina, July 10, 2010 and were traced back to the victim by microchips embedded in both dogs.

The investigation has revealed that after the dogs were located, a police officer at the Evanston Police Department in Wyoming conducted a traffic stop on the victim's vehicle, a dark blue Toyota Rav4, at 2:00 a.m. on July 11. At the time, Tavar had not been reported missing and Roberts, who was driving, was given a verbal warning for excessive speed. The victim was not in the vehicle at that time.

Approximately 12 hours later, Roberts entered a Wal-Mart in Ontario, Oregon where he purchased a tent, a vintage styled black t-shirt and tan cargo shorts. He was also seen in the store wearing a dark colored t-shirt and tan colored shorts. Roberts also filled the gas tank on the Toyota Rav4 before leaving Ontario.

A Nationwide alert has been issued for the suspect and the victim as the investigation continues. In addition, the victim's family has offered a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Roberts for the outstanding warrant. Roberts is described as a white male, 26 years old, 6'1" tall, 170 pounds with brown hair and hazel eyes. Tavar is a white female, 45- years-old, 5'7" tall, 120 pounds with blonde hair and brown eyes. The 2004 Toyota Rav4 has a Florida license plate of Q66 2NJ.

Anyone with information concerning this investigation or anyone with information on the whereabouts of Joseph Roberts or Brittany Tavar is asked to contact Detectives George Harrigan or Charles Brantley at the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office at (904) 824-8304.

Additional information about this investigation can be found at the St. John's County Sheriff's Office website at www.sjso.org.

You can also email tips to crimetips@sjso.org, or through your local Crime Stoppers.

Detectives George Harrigan and Charles Brantley are currently in Portland, Oregon meeting with local law enforcement and are available for media interviews. Detective Brantley can be reached at (904) 669-4437 and Detective Harrigan can be reached at (904) 669-1382.


Attached Media Files: 2010-08/3056/37404/Tent.jpg , 2010-08/3056/37404/Tavar.jpg , 2010-08/3056/37404/Roberts2.jpg , 2010-08/3056/37404/Roberts.jpg , 2010-08/3056/37404/Car_Front_view.jpg , 2010-08/3056/37404/Car_Back.jpg
08/09/10
Oregon National Guard, Port of Portland officials visit Bangladesh as part of ongoing State Partnership Program
Oregon Military Department - 08/09/10
2010-08/962/37365/100809F-1639C-327.JPG
2010-08/962/37365/100809F-1639C-327.JPG
PHOTO RELEASE:

100808F-1639C-119.JPG
Officials from Portland International Airport; Airside Operations Manager Daniel Garcia, (left foreground), Chief of Public Safety & Security Mark Crosby (center), and Senior Manager of Aviation Security John Dean, meet with Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport Director of Operations, Md. Shahidur Rahman, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Aug. 8. The group from Oregon toured the facility, noting changes and improvements to security procedures, passenger screening and airport infrastructure, based on a 12-point collaborative work plan developed during a visit to Portland International Airport by Bangladeshi aviation officials in April 2010. The plan covers airfield safety, passenger screening procedures, and Federal Aviation Administration compliance — which is a key to securing direct flights between Bangladesh and the United States. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs).

100808F-1639C-136.JPG
Mark Crosby, Chief of Public Safety & Security for the Portland International Airport, (left), speaks with gate agents at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh, about passenger screening changes during a visit to the facility Aug. 8. Officials from Dhaka's largest airport met with Crosby and other PDX officials during a visit to Oregon in April 2010, which became the genesis for a collaborative 12-point work plan, which is being implemented by Bangladeshi aviation officials. "In the short time between their visit to Portland and now, we have seen many changes and improvements. It's a tribute to the airport's leadership that these changes were implemented," said Crosby, who will take over as Oregon's State Partnership Program Director in November. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs).

100808F-1639C-140.JPG
Mark Crosby, Chief of Public Safety & Security for the Portland International Airport, (left), tours Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh, during a visit to the facility Aug. 8. With Crosby are Mohammed Yousuf of the U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh (center), Md. Masud Rana, Senior Aerodrome Officer for the Bangladeshi Airport Authority and other Port of Portland officials. The group toured the facility, noting changes and improvements to security procedures, passenger screening and airport infrastructure, based on a work plan developed during the Bangladeshi officials' visit to Portland, Ore., in April. The collaborative 12-point work plan covers airfield safety, passenger screening procedures, and Federal Aviation Administration compliance — which is a key to securing direct flights between Bangladesh and the United States. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs).

100809F-1639C-257.JPG
Mark Crosby, Chief of Public Safety & Security for the Portland International Airport (center), speaks with Air Commodore Mahmud Hussain, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (right), as Alexander Gazis, Economic Commercial Officer from the U.S. Embassy to Bangladesh (left) listens in. Crosby, who in November will assume the post of Director for the Oregon National Guard's State Partnership Program, and other officials from the Port of Portland, met with Chairman Hussain in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Aug. 9. Bangladeshi transportation officials visited Oregon in April, where they developed a 12-point collaborative work plan, which covers airfield safety, passenger screening procedures, and Federal Aviation Administration compliance — which is a key to securing direct flights between Bangladesh and the United States. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs).

100809F-1639C-327.JPG
Maj. Dan Schilling, Director of the Oregon National Guard's State Partnership Program, meets with Lt. Gen. Mohammed Abdul Wadud, Principle Staff Officer, Armed Forces Division, Bangladesh, in Dhaka, Aug. 9. Schilling and officials from the Portland International Airport met with Bangladeshi transportation officials to discuss security procedures, passenger screening and airport infrastructure, based on a collaborative work plan developed in April, 2010. The group also discussed joint training and information sharing for disaster response, humanitarian aid, and training exercises as part of an overall SPP strategic plan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs).

A National Guard Bureau Fact Sheet on the State Partnership Program can be found at: http://www.ng.mil/media/factsheets/SPP.pdf

Oregon Military Department's press release on the March Bangladesh visit can be viewed at: http://www.oregon.gov/OMD/PressRelease/2010/03-09-10Press.shtml


Attached Media Files: 2010-08/962/37365/100809F-1639C-327.JPG , 2010-08/962/37365/100809F-1639C-257.JPG , 2010-08/962/37365/100808F-1639C-140.JPG , 2010-08/962/37365/100808F-1639C-136.JPG , 2010-08/962/37365/100808F-1639C-119.JPG