S & J Journal

General Douglas Fraser, U.S. Southern Command, giving the keynote address at the Jungle Island Veteran's Day event.                  U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army General Martin Dempsey, incoming SOUTHCOM Commander Gen. John Kelly and outgoing  SOUTHCOM Commander  Gen. Douglas Fraser at Change of Command Ceremony on November 19, 2012 . General Douglas Fraser of the Southern Command is retiring after nearly 40 years of service to the United States Air Force. At a Veteran's Day celebration held at Jungle Island in Miami, the General was recognized along with other veterans for their outstanding dedication to protecting our country.     Last week, Gen. Fraser was also honored by United States Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta, who commended his accomplishments in leading SOUTHCOM. Secretary Panetta described the Genera...

This past week Don Slesnick received the distinguished "Outstanding Civilian Service Medal," an award established by the U.S. Army to recognize private citizens that demonstrate exceptional public service. General Doug Fraser, Commander of the United States Southern Command (pictured at left with Don), said Don’s “consistent superior leadership within the community of South Florida has been exceptional and reflects his unwavering support of U.S. Southern Command and all military service members.” Congratulations, Don!

Recently, the United States Southern Command, here in Miami, had a premier screening of the movie "Red Tails" with Cuba Gooding, Jr. The movie about the Tuskegee Airmen, a group of African American pilots during World War II, opens at local theaters January 20th and has received positive reviews for its inspirational message of resilience. The Alabama Crimson Tide football team saw the movie prior to the BCS national championship game; Coach Nick Saban quoted the motto of the Red Tails: "the last plane, the last bullet, the last man, the last minute, we fight." It seems the Airmen inspired a whole football team to greatness. Pictured: Air Force Gen. Douglas Fraser and Cuba Gooding, Jr.; Original Tuskegee Airman Eldridge Williams and Gooding. Photo Credit: Spec. Scott Riley, U.S. Army.