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Gates, Karzai Discuss Way Ahead in Afghanistan

There are now enough resources in Afghanistan to deliver “tangible and lasting results,” Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said during a joint news conference with Afghan President Hamid Karzai in Kabul Thursday. The two leaders had met earlier in the day to discuss issues such as combating corruption in the Afghan government, civilian casualties and the U.S. military’s gradual transition of responsibility for security to Afghan forces beginning in July 2011. Read More.

5 teams to tackle Gates call to improve efficiency

Pentagon officials have created five teams to lead the effort to improve efficiency across the Defense Department, according to the Army's acquisition executive. Each team will work on a different area that the Pentagon believes can lead to cost savings, said Malcolm O'Neill, assistant secretary of the Army for acquisition, logistics and technology, in an Aug. 31 interview. Read More.

Air Force general Kehler to head up STRATCOM

Air Force Gen. Robert Kehler was nominated Thursday to lead the nation’s nuclear forces as commander of U.S. Strategic Command. Fellow Air Force Gen. Kevin Chilton will retire as chief of STRATCOM on Dec. 1 after three years in that role, according to an announcement. Read More.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

This year marks the 22nd anniversary of Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 through October 15. Originally, it was a weeklong observation approved by President Lyndon Johnson in 1968; and in 1988, President Ronald Reagan expanded it to 30 days. It is a time to honor the contributions of Hispanic Americans in the U.S. and to celebrate the Hispanic heritage, history, and culture. The National Capital Region will celebrate this heritage through galas, art exhibits, festivals, and music. The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) is proud to host the nation's premier Hispanic Heritage Month event taking place September 12-15, under the unifying theme, Celebrating History, Heritage and the American Dream. Attendees will join more than 3,000 Latino leaders from across the country at events such as the Public Policy Conference, Reyes of Comedy, and 33rd Annual Awards Gala. For more information, log onto www.chci.org. In addition, the Smithsonian will honor Hispanic heritage through a number of educational programs, exhibits, and movie screenings at its museums, as well as a daylong Fiesta Musical at the National Zoo on September 19 from 11am to 5pm. The day includes costumed dancers, animal demonstrations, Hispanic and Latino music, traditional crafts, and Latin American foods. For a full list of events, click here.