Latest news with #DefenseDistinguishedServiceMedal

Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Memorial Day observation program returns to Langston
Langston will once again honor the sacrifice of those who gave their lives in service to the country with a Memorial Day observation, 11 a.m. Monday at Wm Conrad Veterans Memorial Gardens, 313 East Turner Street in Langston. According to a news release, 'veterans, their families and friends, and the public are respectfully invited to assemble to observe Memorial Day. 'We will again provide an opportunity for citizens of this area to join the many U.S. Citizens across the nation as we reflect on the countless individuals who served in our military and lost their lives during wars or other military actions since the founding of our nation. Again, this year, we will come together with the families and communities of those who were lost and those who returned,' the release states. The keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Clifford Stanley, a reverend and retired US Marine Corps major general. 'Having completed a 33-year distinguished career with the Marine Corps, our speaker rose to the position of Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness; serving as the senior policy advisor to the Secretary of Defense on recruitment, career development, pay and benefits for 1.4 million active duty military personnel, 1.3 million Guard and Reserve personnel, 680,000 DoD civilians, and was responsible for overseeing the overall state of military readiness,' the release reads. 'His last position was as the Deputy Commanding General, Marine Corps Combat Development Command and Commanding General, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. Additionally, he served as the Marine Corps Principal Representative to the Joint Requirements Board which supported the Chairperson of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in fulfilling his responsibilities, as well as in various other positions.' Stanley is a graduate of South Carolina State University with a master's degree from Johns Hopkins University and a Master of Divinity degree from the United Lutheran Seminary. 'His formal military education includes, in part, Amphibious Warfare School, the Naval War College, Honor Graduate of Marine Corps Command and Staff College and National War College,' the release said. 'Dr. Stanley earned his Doctorate Degree from the University of Pennsylvania and holds Honorary Doctor of Laws degrees from South Carolina State University and Spalding University. Additionally, he holds a Doctor of Science, Honoris Causa, from The Medical University of South Carolina and Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Stillman College. 'Our speaker's military honors include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), the Navy Commendation Medal, and the Navy Achievement Medal. His civilian awards include receiving the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People's (N.A.A.C.P.) Meritorious Service Award, the N.A.A.C.P. Roy Wilkins Award, and the American Legion Award for Inspirational Leadership. He is a Life Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.' Stanley is an adviser and assessor with the Worldwide Association of Business Coaches and is an associate minister in Philadelphia. 'The master of ceremony is a fantastic, returning Memorial Day Speaker, Mr. Marlon T. James. A native of Oklahoma City, he attended Langston while simultaneously serving in the Oklahoma National Guard and was a cadet in the Army ROTC Broncho Battalion at the University of Central Oklahoma! He graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from Langston University in 1995, and days later, he received an active-duty commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army,' the release reads. 'Marlon has been stationed all around the world and throughout his 23 years in the Armed Forces, he has held positions of increased responsibility in leadership, management, operations, and human resources. Marlon was fortunate to command two companies, including one in combat, where he was awarded the Bronze Star due to his actions in combat.' James works at Tinker Air Force base in civil service as an acquisition program manager. He is on the Langston University Foundation Board of Directors. 'The Wm Conrad Veterans Memorial Gardens is pleased to complete the display of flags for each military branch in the Gardens' stately Flag Pavilion. The U.S. Space Force was established on Dec. 20, 2019, creating the first new branch of the armed services since 1947,' the release reads. 'The establishment of the USSF resulted from widespread recognition that space is a national security imperative. With the cooperation of the OSU ROTC Program, U.S. Space Force Cadet Alexander Turner Camacho, will officially raise the U.S. SPACE FORCE FLAG with remarks by WCVMG Trustee Dr. Kermit McMurray and the Space Force Hymn played by U.S. Air National Guard Bugler Vicki Friedemann. 'Stillwater resident, Mr. James Horn, an outstanding Marine and a resolute supporter of the WCVMG will introduce his fellow Marine, Dr. Stanley. It was through his diligent efforts that we are privileged to have this distinguished speaker for our Memorial Day Program.' Music will be provided by vocalists Isaac B Coleman, Jr. and Nalha Casby. 'This year's program will again welcome an Honor Guard from Tinker Air Force Base; Rev. Everett Mack, Sr., New Hope Baptist Church; and the Mistress of Ceremony from our 2024 Veterans Day Program, our own Langston 'Darling' – Ms. LaVonne Lee (Dallas) who will do a tribute to Ms. Rita Graham who penned the signature Memorial Day Poem for the Gardens,' the release said. 'The WCVMG will host a 'Morning Coffee and Pastry Reception' at 10 a.m. to give attendees the opportunity to meet our speaker and other program participants. The program will start promptly at 11 a.m. All guests are invited to fellowship with our Veterans following the program at a Community Picnic with Lunch sponsored by the Gardens and the Town of Langston City.' The observance can also be viewed live on the Wm Conrad Veterans Memorial Gardens Facebook page. 'Army Veteran and Langston native Stewart A. Williams is the founder/developer of the Wm Conrad Veterans Memorial Gardens. He and his wife Maeoma have worked tirelessly to find ways for others to honor our U.S. Veterans. From the official groundbreaking ceremony that was held 10 years ago on July 4, 2015, to the Grand Opening Ceremony held on October 1, 2022, Veterans and the public have been invited to the Gardens to 'Honor all who served,' the release reads. 'To make a Capital Campaign Pledge and/or to request to purchase a Military ID Tag for yourself or your favorite Veteran(s), please email: wmconradveteransmemorialgarden@ or send by US mail to PO Box 27 Langston, OK 73050. Cash donations can be made to Cash App: $wmcveteransmg. All donations are tax deductible.'


Time of India
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Meet the General leading the US's most expensive defense project yet — the $1 trillion Trump ‘Golden Dome'
President Trump has revealed the Golden Dome missile defense initiative, a $175 billion project to establish America's first space-based defense shield. General Michael Guetlein, a space operations veteran, will lead the project, integrating space and ground technologies to intercept missile threats at all stages. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads General Michael Guetlein: Architect of America's Space Shield What Is the 'Golden Dome' Missile Defense System? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads What Will the Golden Dome Cost? US President Donald Trump has unveiled fresh details about the ambitious Golden Dome missile defense initiative — a $175 billion project aimed at placing America's first space-based defense shield into orbit. This groundbreaking system will integrate ground and space technologies to intercept missile threats at every stage of flight, marking a historic leap in U.S. military defense the helm of this project is General Michael Guetlein, a veteran leader in space operations, personally appointed by Trump to oversee its development. General Michael Anthony Guetlein brings more than 30 years of expertise in space and missile defense to the Golden Dome initiative. He currently serves as the Vice Chief of Space Operations in the U.S. Space Force. Previously, he commanded Space Systems Command (2021–2024) and served as Deputy Director of the National Reconnaissance Office (2019–2021).Born in Oklahoma on November 22, 1967, Guetlein joined the U.S. Air Force after graduating from Oklahoma State University in 1991. His decorated military career includes top honors such as the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, and two Legion of Merit awards — highlighting his leadership in advancing U.S. military and space Golden Dome will combine space-based interceptors and satellite sensors with existing ground-based missile defense systems. The goal: to detect and neutralize threats before launch or intercept them mid-air, providing a multi-layered shield against airborne and space-launched the project President Trump earlier said, 'This is not just a defense shield, but a powerful deterrent to any aggressor contemplating an attack on the United States — even from space.'President Trump emphasized that Golden Dome represents the future of national security — a game-changer in missile defense. Unlike traditional systems focused on ground-level interception, this next-gen initiative will offer comprehensive protection through an integrated network of space and terrestrial defense Guetlein echoed the urgency, calling it a 'bold and aggressive strategy' to strengthen homeland defense in the face of rapidly evolving missile and space initial research and development phase is expected to cost between $25 billion and $35 billion. However, full-scale deployment over the next two decades could bring total costs close to $1 trillion, making it one of the most expensive defense projects in U.S. history. Yet, military experts argue that it is a vital investment to protect the nation against emerging threats from both rival states and rogue actors.


Time of India
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Who is General Michael Guetlein? US Space Force leader appointed by Donald Trump to head the ‘Golden Dome' space missile defense system
Source: New York Post President Donald Trump released new information on Tuesday regarding the United States' ambitious missile defense program called the Golden Dome. At an estimated price of $175 billion, this advanced system of defense has the potential to transform the national security of the US through the combination of ground-based and space-based technologies. The project will be the first of its type, with America planning to put a defensive weapon in space to counter attacks by the air that would endanger the security of the nation. Although in its initial stages of creation, the Golden Dome project is a huge step ahead in defense capabilities in the US. Under the leadership of General Michael Guetlein , the project seeks to develop an unbeatable defense system that combines space and missile defense technologies to protect the homeland. As the project advances, the Golden Dome will be a symbol of strength for the country's military strategy, positioning America to confront the needs of an evolving world. General Michael Guetlein selected to lead the Golden Dome System General Michael Anthony Guetlein is a military veteran of over two decades of space operations and missile defense experience. As the current vice chief of space operations for the US Space Force , General Guetlein is no stranger to leadership roles. His past assignments have seen him command Space Systems Command from 2021 to 2024 and serve as deputy director of the National Reconnaissance Office from 2019 to 2021. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cost Of Amusement Park Equipment From Mexico Might Surprise You - See Tips Amusement Park Equipment | search ads Click Here Undo Born on the 22nd of November, 1967, in Oklahoma, General Guetlein has had an illustrious US military career. In 1991, after graduating from Oklahoma State University, General Guetlein joined the United States Air Force. Throughout his service, General Guetlein has received many awards of distinction, including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, and two Legion of Merit awards. These awards speak to his outstanding leadership and his significant contributions to the development of US space and military operations. spca What is Golden Dome missile defence system The Golden Dome system will feature both ground- and space-based components. These include satellite sensors and interceptors, which will work in tandem with existing terrestrial missile defense systems. This combination allows the system to detect and neutralise threats at multiple stages of flight, from pre-launch to mid-air interception. The system's ability to target missiles before they take off or intercept them mid-flight offers an unprecedented layer of security. President Trump: "This is not only a defense shield, but a deterrent to any aggressor contemplating attacking the United States with missile strikes, including from outer space." During his speech, General Guetlein showed firm backing for the Golden Dome project, referring to it as a "bold and aggressive approach" that is meant to quickly improve the defense of the homeland. He referred to the urgency of the project as, "The 'Golden Dome' is a bold and aggressive strategy to quickly defend the homeland against our enemies." His statement captures the strategic significance of the project aimed at keeping the US ahead of fast-evolving missile and space technologies. Golden Dome System: Estimated costs Early research and development on the Golden Dome will cost between $25 billion and $35 billion. Yet long-term costs may amount to as much as $831 billion, with the overall cost of the project possibly nearing $1 trillion within two decades. Though expensive, the Golden Dome is regarded as an indispensable investment in the future of US defense, keeping the nation adequately safeguarded against upcoming threats from both state and non-state actors. US President Donald Trump vision behind the 'Golden Dome' President Trump highlighted the Golden Dome's strategic value to national defense in his announcement. The system is intended to safeguard the United States from maturing and more sophisticated missile threats. Differing from conventional ground systems, the Golden Dome combines space-based interceptors and sensors in offering a complete, multi-layered defense against a range of airborne attacks. Also Read | NASA alert! A massive asteroid racing towards Earth at 14 kilometres per second on May 24; should we be concerned