Obama and Bush chat this morning - As he prepared this morning aboard Air Force One to herald the end of the U.S. combat mission in Iraq, President Barack Obama spoke by phone to former President George W. Bush. Obama is scheduled to address the nation on Iraq from the Oval Office at 5 p.m. PST. Deputy national security adviser Ben Rhodes said the call to Bush lasted a few minutes. But neither he nor others would relate what was said. Washington Post
Naval Base San Diego wins major environmental award - Naval Base San Diego (NBSD) has gone green and the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) has noticed. In the recently announced fiscal year 2010 SECNAV Energy and Water Management awards. The award acknowledges NBSD's dedication to executing efficient energy programs, awareness campaigns, innovative measures and consistent reduction in energy consumption. Navy Compass
Agent Orange benefits could expand today - Final rules allowing more than 250,000 Vietnam veterans who qualify for Agent Orange-related benefits could take effect as early as today (Tuesday). With the change, three new medical conditions ' hairy cell leukemia, Parkinson's disease and ischemic heart disease ' will be added to the list of disabilities presumed to have a connection to exposure to Agent Orange, the defoliant widely used during the Vietnam War. Marine Corps Times
Camp Desert Kids is coming to Camp Pendleton - Families United invites families of servicemembers deployed to Afghanistan, or those who will deploy within the next four months, to attend Camp Desert Kids on Sunday, October 3, 2010. We hope that you and your children will join us on this fun and educational journey. By teaching children about Afghanistan, Camp Desert Kids enables them to connect the dots of deployment through an exciting event tailored for the little mind. Military Kids Blog
Fleet Week Speed Festival coming to Coronado - It's recognized as the birthplace of naval aviation, but on Sept. 25-26, Naval Air Station North Island will highlight 250 historic race cars for the 13th annual Fleet Week Coronado Speed Festival. The races and festival are first and foremost an event that pay tribute to the men and women of our military and offer free admission for active duty military and their dependents. The general public is welcomed onto the base for a weekend of racing, making it the only open house offered by the Navy on the West Coast. Fleet Week San Diego
A survivors guide for military families as school starts - "This move has reminded me yet again of how tough adjustments can be, and given me an even deeper appreciation for military families who tackle these issues every couple of years or so. Moving isn't easy, particularly when compounded with adjustments to new schools." American Forces Press Service
