Daily Archives: December 17, 2021

JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va -- The 480th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing celebrated its 18-year anniversary at Joint Base Langley-Eustis on Dec. 11, 2021.

The wings history began with the formation of the 480th Anti-Submarine Group in 1943. The unit deployed to Port Lyautey, Morocco and was credited with the destruction of four German submarines during the Battle of the Atlantic in World War II. During the Korean War, the Air Force activated the 580th Air Resupply and Communications Wing to conduct psychological warfare and intelligence operations supporting U.S. forces in Europe. In 1985, the Air Force consolidated both inactive units and re-designated the new unit as the 480th Special Operations Wing. Due to funding constraints, this unit was never activated.

The attacks on September 11, 2001 placed a renewed emphasis on Air Force intelligence capabilities. As a result, the Air Force re-designated the 480th Special Operations Wing to form the 480th Intelligence Wing. The wing activated on December 1, 2003 with an official stand-up ceremony taking place on December 11, 2003.

It was an honor of a lifetime to be selected as the first commander of the 480th ISRW (then named the 480th Intelligence Wing) under the Mighty Eighth Air Force, stated Brig Gen (ret) Larry Grundhauser. It wasnt just me. I know we all knew it. Felt it. The momentous nature of the endeavor we were being asked to take on motivated us all each day. I took command of the 480th Intelligence Group while it was engaged in combat operations during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, just as IRAQI FREEDOM had begun.

The 480 IW operated the Air Forces flagship intelligence exploitation capability; the Air Force Distributed Common Ground System. It rapidly engaged in combat operations supporting U.S. and Coalition forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2009, the unit was re-assigned from Air Combat Command to the Air Force ISR Agency and re-designated as the 480 ISRW.

We transformed into a more agile force able to meet evolving mission-set demands, said Col Kayle Stevens, 480th ISRW commander. Our Airmen are no longer tied to platforms. We now rely on our cognitive ability, leveraging the best data available to answer commanders toughest problems.

Presently, the 480 ISRW is organized into six subordinate ISR groups and twenty-three active duty squadrons. With over 6,000 warrior Airmen, the organization serves as the largest ISR wing in the Air Force. The six ISR groups assigned to the 480 ISRW include: the 480 ISR Group, 497 ISR Group, 548 ISR Group, 692 ISR Group, 693 ISR Group, and the 694 ISR Group. In addition, the wing has twenty-six Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard units standing side-by-side with the active duty component as it engages in ISR operations around the globe.

Airmen are the heart of our Wings performance, said Stevens. Our diverse and inclusive workforce helps eliminate blind spots and provides us our comparative advantage. Across the conflict spectrum, 480th Airmen are consistently required to pivot to the theaters most challenging problems. Peak performance depends on successful integrated efforts between DGS and signal intelligence element sites and streamlining mission integration and analyst collaboration. Cyber Airmen are simultaneously relied on to keep the weapon system functioning, watch for attacks, report any suspicious activity, and protect the network. Total Force Integration provides our enterprise the strategic depth required to meet elevated demands in strategic competition. We achieve peak performance when everybody does their part, a team of teams tackling our nations most pressing challenges.

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480th ISRW: 18 Years of Progress - 62nd Airlift Wing

The 10th edition of Pig Progress for 2021 is now available online. This edition highlights the urgent need for more attention to be given to swine influenza. Considering the Covid-19 pandemic, veterinary virologist emphasises that the way the veterinary world keeps viruses under control is an example for human virology. Also, how can nutrition improve claw quality and weaning stress?

View Pig Progress digital magazine, edition 10

Domestic hog production, unlimited imports of raw ingredients for feed, imports of piglets and finisher pigs, and the ability to sell pig meat on international markets enabled Germany to transform from a leading importer of pig meat to the leading exporter within 3 decades. When it became a challenge to export surplus meat, economic troubles began. Professor emeritus Hans-Wilhelm Windhorst paints the picture on pages 6-8.

A research project Family Feeding Matters aimed to develop an innovative feeding concept for sows and piglets that would align more closely to their natural behaviour. The innovative part of the research applied to the new feeding and drinking system and new feed type. The article on pages 10-11 investigates the results.

On page 13, president of the Sunswine Group, Dr Casey Bradley, discusses functional nutrition and proposes combing the silos of data we have from production, the feed mill and veterinarian diagnostics to create a functional nutrition picture for the swine industry.

On pages 14-15, correspondent Philippe Caldier summarises a presentation by Patrick Chevillon at the recent edition of the Sommet de lElevage in France where he discusses the production and valorisation of meat from entire male pigs.

This producer decided to stop castrating his male pigs. - Photo: Michel Zoeter

The swine influenza virus is behaving more whimsically than it did a decade ago. What is this pathogens impact and how can pork producers reduce the risk of infection? The article on pages 16-17 explores the answers.

In an interview on pages 18-20, Nauwynck expresses his distaste in allegations that modern livestock farming is the cause of all pandemics, and highlights that the way the veterinary world keeps viruses under control is an example for human virology. If the Covid-19 virus had only struck in pig farming, it probably would not have spread as fast as it does now in humans.

As a scientist, researcher and professor, Professor Hans Nauwynck is connected to Ghent University in Belgium. Photo: Atelier68

On pages 24-26, Pig Progress editor, Vincent ter Beek, visits a French pig farm with 430 sows and a grow-finisher site 2 km down the road with 2,000 finishers. Here, pig producer Frdric Baudet tried the Selfifeeder GFI, which is Addervas version of an Electronic Sow Feeding (ESF) station with built-in weighing.

Finisher pigs each have an identity and can be treated according to specific requirements through the use of ear tags. The pigs also learn to follow the yellow light for feeding. Photo: Vincent ter Beek

Salmonella infections in pigs can become worse in stressed animals and so controlling stress levels in pigs has a direct impact on public health. Read more on pages 28-29.

View Pig Progress digital magazine, edition 10

In the European Union, a 20-year ban on the use of animal by-products as feed for pigs and poultry is being lifted. By 2027, the animal protein feed ingredients market is predicted to be worth US$280 billion. On pages 31-32, correspondent, Treena Hein, looks at what this means and what might limit its use.

The culling rate due to lameness is estimated to be up to 35%, and as sows are increasingly being kept loose during gestation, and farrowing crates are likely to disappear, pig claw quality and integrity are becoming increasingly important. How can nutrition help to improve claw quality? Read more on pages 34-35.

A primary cause of claw lesions is the insufficient supply of proteins, amino acids, fatty acids, minerals and vitamins. Photo: Bert Jansen

Weaning is a stressful event, which is known to weaken the immune system. E. coli remains one of the most economically important and complex challenges in todays global pig industry. This article found on pages 36-37 delves into what extent can nutritional solutions provide a solution.

Of all the animal species, pigs are among the most sensitive to the negative impact of unwanted toxins. While acute mycotoxicosis in pigs is relatively rare nowadays, mycotoxins may be present in low doses and can lead to subclinical health problems. This article by Alltech on pages 38-39 details the effect and management of mycotoxin challenge.

On page 42, Irene Camerlink, an interdisciplinary researcher focusing on pig behaviour, welfare and production, brings to light the increasingly relevant need for farms to have an action plan for livestock in the event of a natural disaster or when there is a need for evacuation. She also outlines 7 steps to consider mitigating potential risks.

View Pig Progress digital magazine, edition 10

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Pathogens, prevention, and personal plans in Pig Progress 10 - Pig Progress

By: Dylan Dethier December 16, 2021

Tiger Woods and his son Charlie played golf with Mike Thomas last week for the first time since Tiger's car crash.

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ORLANDO, Fla. Tiger Woods hasnt yet hit a shot at the 2021 PNC Championship but the hype arrived before he did.

The latest and best-sourced reporting on Woods recovery came straight from the mouth of Mike Thomas. Thats Mike Thomas, Justins father, Justins coach, Woods frequent playing partner and the PNCs defending champion.

Justin and Mike didnt play in Thursdays Pro-Am but arrived at the Ritz-Carlton in the early afternoon for a session with reporters.

Were just here to have a good time and enjoy each others company. And playing good golf is always a bonus, Justin said.

Ive been busy teaching, Mike said, managing expectations. His plan had been to cram a few days in advance, he added, but then his back flared up. So Im cramming on site. On-site cramming.

Pleasantries dispatched, one reporter dived into the inevitable line of Tiger questioning. Justin, who is well-practiced in fending off inquiries on his famous friend, downplayed any update. He hadnt played with Woods, he realized, since this event last year. Instead it was his father who had the intel; hed played with Tiger and Charlie last week. He gave a glowing update.

Its crazy how good hes hitting it and far hes hitting for what hes been through, Mike said. That was Tiger he was talking about, for the record. Well, both, he added for clarification. But Tiger has been through a lot more than Charlie. Its impressive where hes at.

Thats a big deal. Thomas is a PGA Tour coach and not prone to random exaggeration. And while hes grading on a scale, given the scope of Woods injuries, its encouraging to hear such positive news from someone with a firsthand look at his recovery. Justin played it safe by comparison, downplaying any expectations he has for Woods.

I mean, my excitement level is high just for him being out here and being somewhere other than his house and getting to see a lot of familiar faces. And I know spending time with Charlie is a huge deal to him, he added.

Mike, who has turned into a de facto coach for Charlie, had the inside scoop on both members of Team Woods. He likes to play golf. Well go out and play and work on his game a little bit, he said. Even though Charlie hasnt gotten much taller than last year, he said, he hits it very far for his size.

Pressed for details on Tigers recovery, he explained further.

I dont know, I mean, you all know him well enough to know that hes never going to admit to being close to where hed like to be, Mike said. I mean, hes still hes got some speed. Hes got some length. Hits a lot of really, really flush shots. I mean, I was surprised.

The Woodses and the Thomases will play together on Saturday in the PNCs first round, just as they did at this event last year. There was plenty of cross-generational ribbing in that round, and both teams shot 62. Thomas said he expects that to continue though after Team Thomas won last years event, he thinks he has a leg up on Charlie.

I mean, I think hes starting to get old enough that you need to back up your trash talk a little bit better if youre going to be saying it. Wed obviously had a lot of putting contests and fun rounds here and there, but obviously never in competition. But until they get that belt and we dont, I know that we have the bragging rights for the time being, he said.

Big-picture, we wont learn everything about Woods competitive golf future this week. But well get hints: Ball speed, mobility, gait, rotation, mindset. This first hint sounds encouraging. Tiger fans will hope the second hint matches the first.

Dylan Dethier is a senior writer for GOLF Magazine/GOLF.com. The Williamstown, Mass. native joined GOLF in 2017 after two years scuffling on the mini-tours. Dethier is a 2014 graduate of Williams College, where he majored in English, and hes the author of 18 in America, which details the year he spent as an 18-year-old living from his car and playing a round of golf in every state.

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After round with Tiger Woods, Justin Thomas' dad 'surprised' by progress - Golf.com

Clearfield-Lawrence Township Joint Airport Authority is concerned about meeting next years expenses.

At Wednesdays meeting, Chairman David Schultz said he learned Clearfield Borough and Lawrence Township each allotted $5,000 to the authority in their 2022 budgets half of the $10,000 stipend, the authority requested from each.

The airport is partially supported by annual funding from Clearfield Borough and Lawrence Township. Its other income is realized by hangar rentals and fuel sales.

Schultz said he is concerned as the authority depends on those municipal distributions to help pay the airports operating costs.

I am very disappointed with the allocations made, especially in these financial times.

He said he has looked over the operating costs and asked airport Manager Jerry Kaufield to make determinations where expenses can be cut.

Schultz told members he had contacted various airports throughout the state to determine how they receive income from their counties or municipalities.

They are really all over the place in how they are paid, he said.

Schultz said he is especially concerned because he is anticipating the airports expenses to be even higher next year as costs are rising because of inflation and other factors.

Inflation is really hitting the bottom line with costs for energy, fuel and other things going up, he said.

Because municipal governments may not fully understand the importance of having a public use airport, Schultz said he plans to attend Clearfield Borough Councils meeting Thursday and Lawrence Township Supervisors meeting Tuesday, Dec. 21, to explain the importance of their stipends and how the authority utilizes the money it receives.

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Airport authority concerned about 2022 operating costs | Progress News | theprogressnews.com - Clearfield Progress

Ty Ronning and Zac Jones celebrate (Photo: Kelly Shea / Wolf Pack)

The Wolf Pack played their first game back from the COVID-19 protocol pause last Sunday in Allentown against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. This was the first time they played since November 27th against the Springfield Thunderbirds. Now the team prepares for their fourth three in three weekend of the season.

Hartford is looking to resume where they left off prior to going on the pause.

As expected, the Wolf Pack struggled in their first game back against Lehigh Valley with limited practice time. On the plus side, Hartford collected a point out of the contest as the group dropped a 4-3 shootout decision.

Morgan Barron snapped his four game drought while Zac Jones continued to produce on the blue line. Austin Rueschhoff recorded Hartfords second goal of the game while Jones tied the contest with a few minutes to play in the third. Adam Huska performed well despite getting the loss in net stopping 26 of 29 shots and one of three shooters in the skills competition.

Its hard to expect a club to be sharp after a long layoff. You have to give the group credit for sticking in the game despite being dominated, especially in the first and second period of the game. Furthermore, a couple of the regular players were out of the lineup (more information provided below).

The Springfield Thunderbirds came out of the pause and were swept last weekend (0-3) and lost players to the Blues due to call-ups. The Providence Bruins played with a depleted roster and posted a 2-1 record on the weekend. These clubs are not back to 100% and patience will be key in Hartford.

Assigned by the Rangers on December 10th, the defenseman will play in five games with Hartford during his two week conditioning stint.

Tinordi started his first game with the club on a rusty, struggling note. However, the defenseman had a nice huge hit early on in the contest.

He was lost his position several times and had to adjust to Hartfords schemas. As the games pass by, I expect the defenseman to settle in. Zac Jones had Tinordi as a partner on the blue line for top minutes. Jones also helped Libor Hajek on his conditioning stint while he was in Hartford.

Player Scratches

In Hartfords first game back, a few players that normally are in the lineup were out. Ty Ronning, Anthony Greco, and and Alex Whelan could return next weekend.

While Jarred Tinordi conditions in Hartford, the Wolf Packs blue line will have continual rotation going for players. Hunter Skinner was scratched and could return next week as well.

Standings Update

Despite playing in one game, Hartford found themselves now in first place in the Atlantic Division. The standings are based on point percentage this season.

Hartfords record entering the weekend is 12-4-2-1 for 27 points (.711). That ranks the club first in the division, second in the Eastern Conference, and fifth in the league (tied for fourth). Despite Springfield having three more points, the Wolf Pack have a better point percentage. Keep in mind that teams in the divisions are playing 72 or 76 games.

One Timers

Friday, December 17th vs Lehigh Valley Phantoms (Philadelphia) at 7pm, XL Center

Saturday, December 18th vs Springfield Thunderbirds (St. Louis) at 7:05pm, Mass Mutual Center

Sunday, December 19th vs Springfield Thunderbirds (St. Louis) at 3pm, XL Center

The NHL Rumor mill has slowed down, but Phil Kessel is still a name out there and one the Rangers are attached to.Read more.

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Wolf Pack Weekly: Hartford looks to continue progress on great season - Forever Blueshirts

Pulitzer-prize winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones, thecreator ofThe New York Times's 1619 Project,said the events ofthe past year showed that"steps toward racial progressare always met with an intensive backlash."

"We are a society that woefully does not want to deal with the anti-blackness that is at the core of so many of our institutions and really our society itself," Hannah-Jones told the Associated Press in an interview published Thursday. "We are seeing a backlash, we are seeing efforts to subvert democracy, to make it harder ... for Black people to vote, to protest."

Hannah-Jones, acorrespondentfor the New York Times Magazine, won national recognition in 2019 when she and her colleagues published The 1619 Project, a series of essays and stories reframing the founding of America and its institutions around slavery.

The New York Times and Hannah-Jones won a Pulitzer Prize for the project, but it has proved controversial.

State legislaturesin states including Floridaand Texas areattemptingto ban schools from teaching the projectas part of an effort to restrictthe teaching of critical race theory,which posits that racism is embedded in U.S. history, laws and institutions.

Hannah-Jones told the Associated Press she was proud of the 1619 Project and called the efforts to prevent it from being taught a "disappointment."

She alsocalled attention torecent voting restrictionsand gerrymandering efforts, comparingthem to restrictive measures implemented during the Jim Crowerafollowing Reconstruction though, she acknowledged, "It's not exactly the same, of course."

"We are in a very frightening time," she said. "What we are seeing is what we saw after the period of reconstruction with this slow rollback of the rights of Black voters, working-class voters and voters of color, with laws that are making it more difficult to vote, with hyper-gerrymandering that ensures a white minority can maintain power no matter what."

Asked about the lessons of the past year, she said, "This year is just reflective of what I have always understood about this country. And that is that steps forward, steps towards racial progress, are always met with an intensive backlash."

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Nikole Hannah-Jones: 2021 showed steps toward racial progress always met with 'intensive backlash' | TheHill - The Hill

More than 2.29 million Louisianans nearly 50 percent of the states population became fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in the first year of vaccinations. In addition, Louisiana has seen a decrease in the number of people hospitalized with COVID and in the percent of COVID tests that are positive. Today, the vast majority of COVID hospitalizations, cases and deaths are in those who have not yet been vaccinated.

COVID-19 vaccinations began on December 14, 2020, and since that day more than 4.7 million doses have been administered in Louisiana alone. More than 2.5 million Louisianans have at least one dose of the vaccine and more than 544,000 booster doses have been administered. According to the CDC, nearly 25 percent of Louisianas eligible population has received a booster dose.

In addition to a nearly eight-fold decrease in COVID hospitalizations today when compared to a year ago, the percent of COVID tests that were positive in Louisiana was nearly 10 percent a year ago, which signals out-of-control community spread. Today, the states percent positivity is 2.3 percent, which signals a much lower risk level across Louisiana.

One year ago, I was proud and hopeful as I witnessed Nurse Deborah Ford receive the first COVID-19 vaccine dose in the state of Louisiana. Since that day, I am proud to see that more than 2.29 million Louisianans have gone sleeves up and are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Just one year ago today, we had 1,527 people hospitalized with COVID. Today, thanks to the vaccine, that number is below 200, Gov. John Bel Edwards said. That is not to say the past year has not been without tragedy and loss. Weve seen more than 500,000 COVID infections in Louisiana in the last year, and weve lost at least 8,052 Louisianans in that time alone, especially when the very strong Delta variant tore through our state, killing thousands. As has been true since the start of the pandemic, the vast majority of people who have died or become critically ill from COVID were not vaccinated either because the vaccine was not available in the early months of the pandemic or they simply had not taken it yet. Fortunately, the vaccines are here and widely available now, and the importance of taking the vaccines along with the boosters when eligible simply cannot be stressed enough, especially now that the Omicron variant is here. They are our best and most effective path of protection for ourselves, loved ones and community.

The vaccines are safe and effective and, in Louisiana, theyve only resulted in a handful of severe adverse reactions and zero deaths. We have worked hard with public health officials, the Louisiana National Guard, medical professionals, local leaders and community groups to make these free, safe and effective vaccines accessible all across the Louisiana, Gov. Edwards said. The COVID-19 vaccination effort has been a marvel of modern science and medicine unseen in any of our lifetimes. It is my fervent hope and prayer that all those who are not yet vaccinated will pause and take the time to speak with their doctor or a medical professional about this life-saving vaccine so that we do not have to say goodbye to any more of our Louisiana brothers and sisters.

Receiving my COVID-19 vaccine alongside my colleagues was a moment that I will always remember, said Debbie Ford, Chief Nursing Officer at Ochsner Medical Center New Orleans and Louisianas first vaccine recipient. Vaccines deliver protection and they also delivered hope to those of us fighting the pandemic. The vaccine allowed me to visit my grandchildren, go to Saints games and meet with other nursing leaders from across the country. Our fight isnt over but with a safe and effective vaccine and booster shots, we remain optimistic and hopeful for a healthy and safe future for all.

Making the COVID-19 vaccine available and accessible to everyone in our state has been our number one priority from the very beginning, and I am happy to say we have made critical strides, said LDH Secretary Dr. Courtney N. Phillips. Today more than 2.5 million peoplehave gone sleeves up for the vaccine. These gains are a direct result of intentional, close collaboration with community partners, including our valued healthcare providers, local leaders, pharmacies and countless community stakeholders. They also reflect the Louisiana Department of Healths ongoing commitment to ensure safe and equitable administration of the vaccine for all Louisianans.

It is too difficult to fathom just how much more loss we would have suffered in Louisiana without the COVID-19 vaccines. These vaccines are highly safe and effective, and have undoubtedly saved countless lives already.As we prepare to gather with family and friends this holiday season, one of the best gifts that we can offer our loved ones is that of protection. We urge everyone who is eligible to get the vaccine and the booster as soon as possible," said State Health Officer Dr. Joseph Kanter.

HOW TO GET A COVID VACCINE IN LOUISIANA

Everyone aged 5 and older is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Louisiana. The FDA has only authorized one of the three COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer for children ages 5 to 17. Parents should confirm with the vaccine provider that their child is under 18 to ensure Pfizer vaccine is available before making an appointment.

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Gov. Edwards, LDH Highlight One Year of COVID-19 Vaccine Progress - Governor John Bel Edwards