Mueller Marks Veterans Day With Speech on Service

Discover the best Vietnam veteran books where real heroes tell you their true stories of courage and sacrifice.

FBI Director Robert S. Mueller talked about duty, dedication, and leadership during remarks Wednesday at a Department of Justice Veterans Appreciation Ceremony in Washington, D.C.

“I want to begin by acknowledging not only my fellow veterans here today, but service men and women around the world—men and women who face grave danger with courage and strength,” Mueller said. “I want to acknowledge those who have come before us, and those who have fallen. I also want to acknowledge those who make a quiet and often overlooked sacrifice—the families who are left behind.

“Fifty years ago, in May 1961, President Kennedy sent Green Berets to South Vietnam to help train South Vietnamese soldiers. Many of you may remember those days as though it were last week. You may remember friends who went to Vietnam, but who did not return. You may remember the American public in turmoil, the protests, and the nightly news reports.

“The Marine Corps taught me the value of sacrifice, teamwork, and discipline—the same values inherent in every branch of the military.

“I also credit the military with shaping my life in terms of public service. My years in Vietnam—the experiences I shared with my fellow Marines—shaped my world view. I consider myself exceptionally lucky to have made it out of Vietnam. There were many who did not. And perhaps because I did survive, I have always felt compelled to contribute.

“None of us would choose to re-live that history. But to this day, I count my decision to join the military as one of the best decisions I have ever made. Indeed, it is a decision that has had a lasting and profound impact on my life.

"I am indeed honored to be a Marine. And I am honored to be counted among you as a veteran. Thank you for your service and God bless."

CBP Finds Incendiary Device in Outbound Mail

Chicago – On Nov. 3, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Chicago made an interesting discovery in outbound mail of a live Vietnam-era military incendiary device that was being shipped to Japan.

CBP officers found the device while examining outbound mail packages. The item was manifested as a “military training dummie” valued at $55 and was being shipped from Missouri to Japan. Prior to initiating seizure, CBP officers spoke with the shipper who indicated that the item was acquired from an estate sale and sold on-line. Based on the officer’s experience, the Chicago Police bomb unit was contacted and subsequently determined that the item was a live incendiary device—a phosphorous-based flare M49A1.

Working with U.S. postal inspectors and the Chicago Police bomb unit, the device was rendered safe and destroyed. The case is under investigation; however, it is not believed that there was harmful intent by the involved parties. 

 “In this instance, a military incendiary device was intercepted by CBP officers thus avoiding a potential catastrophic event,” said David J. Murphy, CBP director of field operations in Chicago. “This seizure further demonstrates CBP’s capabilities, expertise and dedication towards protecting this country from harmful items exiting or entering the country.”

The M49A1 trip flare is an early warning signaling device used to warn of infiltrating troops by illuminating the area surrounding the trip flare. This type of trip flare will provide a light intensity exceeding 35,000 candelas for approximately one minute where it can reach a temperature of almost 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

CBP officers and agriculture specialists are stationed at international mail facilities located throughout the country. CBP conducts enforcement operations on international mail and is on the lookout for any type of contraband or prohibited items being shipped into or out of the U.S.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Confessions of an Oakland Cop

On September 4, 2009, Conversations with American Heroes at the Watering Hole features a discussion with former Army First Lieutenant and retired Oakland Police Department Sergeant Robert Searle.

Program Date: September 4, 2009
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Confessions of an Oakland Cop
Listen Live:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/09/05/Confessions-of-an-Oakland-Cop

About the Guest
Lieutenant Robert Searle, served in the United States Army for three years, including a tour in Vietnam, “spent approximately 23 years in law Enforcement after serving in the Vietnam War. Most of that time was with the Oakland California Police Department. There he worked as a Patrol Officer; as a Field Training Officer; Undercover Agent for The Federal Organized Crime Task Force; Sergeant in Patrol; and as a Sergeant in Major Narcotics Violators Unit of The Vice Squad.” Robert Searle is the author of Streets of Fire: Confessions of an Oakland Cop.

According to the book description of Streets of Fire: Confessions of an Oakland Cop, “The release of Streets of Fire could not be better timed; we need his story now! If you are COP (i.e., Constable on Patrol) Bob understands you. If you like intrigue, grit, excitement and nail biting action, read on! If you are a father, Bob's a great example: his three sons prove that. If you are a young person looking for a role-model, Bob's book is for you. If you are a hooker being controlled by your pimp, or an addiction, please read on. If you are a College student looking for a quick and exciting read, this is it! Or, if you are simply tired of insipid books that don't carry much weight nor deliver much punch, and you are looking for a book that delivers entertainment, counsel, intrigue, suspense, and-the occasional shock factor--then this book is for you!”

About the Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is Police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life. Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting.

About the Host
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years. He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a Criminal Justice Department chair, faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in Law Enforcement, public policy, Public Safety Technology and leadership. Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One. He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in Law Enforcement.

Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/09/05/Confessions-of-an-Oakland-Cop

Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530