West Point sets up research center for oral histories

The U.S. Military Academy at West Point has established the Center for Oral History, an online research center gathering the personal stories of U.S. service members, according to a news release.

The center, which will launch in 2009, will be advised by a board that includes documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, former presidential adviser Brent Scowcroft, and historians, journalists and educators. The project aims to educate West Point cadets and to build a bridge between the military and the civilian population.

The site, www.westpointcoh.org, is open to the public.

82nd Airborne group searching for members for local units

The 82nd Airborne Division Association is seeking new members for its local chapters.

The group will hold its 63rd national convention Aug. 19-22 in Indianapolis. Members include veterans from the 11th, 13th, 17th, 82nd and 101st divisions, as well as Special Forces.

Information: Airborne 2008, 5459 Northcutt Place, Dayton OH 45414; (937) 898-5977 or srgabn@aol.com.

Local officers to be honored

Two locally based naval officers will be among those honored at the Black Engineer of the Year Awards in February in Baltimore.

They are Lt. Vance Scott of the fast-attack submarine Albany and Lt. j.g. Jason Brownlee of the fast-attack submarine Scranton. The award recognizes individuals who have achieved exceptional career gains in government, industry, lifetime achievement and pioneering feats, according to a news release.

New Deputy chief of staff named at Fort Monroe

Brig. Gen. Dana J. H. Pittard, commanding general of National Training Center and Fort Irwin in California, has been assigned to become deputy chief of staff, G-3/5/7, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, Fort Monroe.

Homecoming info for Fort Eustis available on hot line

Family and friends of deployed soldiers returning to Fort Eustis can now access a hot line for updated information about homecoming ceremonies by dialing (757) 878-1789. Information about leave time, reintegration training and contact information for the unit's Family Readiness Support Assistant are also available by calling the hot line, according to a news release.

Note to readers

The Navy starts rolling out a new Navy Working Uniform in mid-January, and Hampton Roads is first in line for the blue camouflage duds. While this uniform is intended to replace several others, that still leaves A LOT more uniforms in the typical sailor's closet.

Since military uniforms are such an unavoidable part of life for many here, and a fond (or not-so-fond) memory for many more, we thought this would be an ideal time to explore the culture of the uniform.

Please share your uniform stories, good, bad, ridiculous or otherwise. Send them to military@pilotonline.com or call (757) 446-2949.

EVENTS

• Executive Leadership Series Regent University presents Gen. Martin Dempsey, commanding general, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command. Noon, Jan. 13. The Founders Inn and Spa, 5641 Indian River Road, Virginia Beach. www.regent.edu/events/els/.
• College financial aid seminar Open to active-duty, retirees, family members and other base personnel. 6:30 p.m., Jan. 22, Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base, Expeditionary Warfare Training Group, Building 3504, Tarawa Auditorium. (757) 363-3944.
• Vetshouse, Incorporated fundraiser Karaoke and spaghetti dinner, 7-11 p.m., Jan. 10, Church of the Holy Family, 1279 Great Neck Road, Virginia Beach. $12, adults; $5, children younger than 12. (757) 724-8614.

 Military briefs run every Friday. Send submissions to military@pilotonline.com