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ATF Association Newsletter
August 2016
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I hope everyone had a chance to review the newsletter last month. Linda Douglas is doing a great job with it. Every month she finds new ways to make it more interesting. Please keep contributing, it’s your newsletter!
We have been informed by ATF headquarters that GSA is hoping to schedule the dedication of the Ariel Rios Federal Building in early December. As many of you know, Ariel was killed December 2, 1982 so the timing of the dedication is good. Two generous organizations, the Federal Enforcement Homeland Security Foundation and Shotcaller Global have agreed to cover the costs of mementos that will be given to guests at the dedication. We will provide more information as we receive it.
Once again, I want to thank our sponsors for all they do to help us operate as a successful association. I encourage you to utilize their services as much as possible and let your friends know about their businesses. I can attest to their value. I recently utilized one of our sponsors for insurance needs and found it saved me a significant amount of money over my previous insurance company!
For those who are interested, Blackinton is offering commemorative badges and a coin for the 15 year anniversary of the incidents which occurred on 9/11/2001. Many of the current and retired employees spent a significant amount of time on those scenes. We have the opportunity to have a special badge or coin designed for ATF if we get enough interest. I spoke with Blackinton and they said if we could guarantee several hundred, they can design something and give us a reduced price. If there is anyone who is interested in spearheading the effort, let me know. Otherwise, here is the link for the ones they designed already:
http://www2.blackinton.com/Pages/ProductsPage.aspx?CatalogName=Collections,9/11%20Products.
As I mentioned last month, the ATFA is joining forces with a group of federal retirement/ employee associations to leverage our efforts with a larger group. So far, the members are: ATFA, NCIS, U.S. Marshals, DEA, AFOSI, USSS, Customs, Postal Inspectors, Army CID, and the Coast Guard. This group will share successes with each other and determine areas of common ground, as well as identify processes to leverage our collective numbers when anyone needs assistance. We should be holding our first meeting later this year. More to follow.
In the fourth quarter, we are going to be seeking members who wish to work on the ATFA board. We will have several openings for next year so please consider the opportunity to help improve the association. It is always good to get fresh ideas to keep us moving in the right direction.
Enjoy what is left of the summer!
Mike Bouchard
President
bchrdmchl@gmail.com
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The Federal Bureau of Way Too Many Guns
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Article in GQ Magazine Written By Jeanne Marie Laskas
Editors Note: A really interesting article about Tracing Guns and about the liberally tons of paperwork involved. Since this was my first job at ATF, taking the requests for Tracing a Gun, submitting it and then tracking the long waited progress and keeping the results, I now understand why it took so long and why we had stacks and stacks of paper and over 6 file cabinets full to keep the paper files!
Just Unbelievable!!!
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One of over 17,000 Guns in the Gun Vault at ATF In Martinsburg, West Virginia
Gold Plated AKA 47 owned by Saddam Hussein found in one of his
palaces and brought back to USA Illegally
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Earl Griffith Chief Firearms & Technology Division
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Charles Houser Chief, NTC Division
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Nonfiction Books Authored By ATF or Former ATF Personnel
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William J. Burgess,
Piercing the Shields of Justice: Inside the ATF, 1996—Experiences of former Special Agent.
David DiBetta with Scott Fasnacht,
Plain Old Agent Reflections on the Siege at Waco
and My Career with ATF, 2016--Narrative of Special Agent’s career
Jay Dobyns and Nils Johnson-Shelton ,
No Angel: My Harrowing Undercover Journey to
the Inner Circle of the Hells Angels, 2009—Jay Dobyns narrative of working undercover
in Arizona
Ernest Dorling,
Criminal Investigation: A Practitioner Approach, unknown date Textbook
Mu
rder: A Family Affair, 2004—A true crime book
With Consciousness of Guilt; the Sexual Predator Among Us—Narrative of investigation and trial of
sexual offender.
Janine Driver and Mariska van Aalst,
You Say More Than You Think: Use the New Body Language to Get What You Want, The 7-Day Plan, 2010—Former inspector writes on body language as means of truth detection.
Y
ou Can’t Lie to Me: The Revolutionary Program to Supercharge Your Inner Lie Detector and Get the Truth, 2014—Truth detection without a polygraph.
Wendel E. Frost,
ATF Sierra One Waco, 2008—Reminicents of former SRT member.
Pete Gagliardi -
The 13 Critical Tasks: An Inside-Out Approach to Solving More Gun
Crime—Delineates13 critical tasks needed to balance people, processes and
technology in order to solve more gun crime.
Adam Ging,
Where Angels Deserve to Die, 2011—
Former agent’s account of life in ATF.
Chuck Hustmyre,
Killer with a Badge, 2010—Story of New Orleans police officer who committed multiple murders.
Smuggler’s Blues: The Fast Life and Violent Death of Barry Seal, 2011—Life of Barry Seal, drug dealer and high level informant.
Unspeakable Violence, 2010—True Crime murder case.
Days of Rage, 2011—Story of 1972 serial sniper in New Orleans.
Henry Lescault,
Present with Power, Punch, and Pizzazz! The Ultimate Guide to Delivering Presentations with Poise, Persuasion, and Professionalism, 2011.
James Moore,
Very Special Agents, 1997, 2001--Autobiographical narrative by former ATF Special Agent.
August Palumbo,
Assassin Hunter :A True Crime Story, 2012—Retired New Orleans Division Special Agent’s account of undercover investigation.
William Queen,
Under and Alone: The True Story of the Undercover Agent Who Infiltrated
America's Most Violent Outlaw Motorcycle, 2005—Retired Los Angeles Division Special Agents narrative of his undercover work.
William Queen and Douglas Century,
Armed and Dangerous: The Hunt for One of America's Most Wanted Criminals, 2007—Narrative of Southern California investigation by former Special Agent.
William Vizzard,
In the Crossfire: A political History of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and
Firearms, 1997--Scholarly history of ATF and its antecedents, focus on forces, events and people that shaped the agency.
Shots in the Dark: Politics, Policy and Symbolism of Gun Control, 2000—History of gun control policy in US including ATF role.
Novels by ATF Authors
J Jay Brighton (pen name for retired SA wishing to remain anonymous),
Gone Dark, 2011—Former ATF Special Agent battles Mexican cartels. I would request that no connection be made between the author Brighton and myself. Please don't disseminate this information, but say that the author wishes to remain anonymous and not be included in any website.
GUNFIGHTER CHRONICLES VOL.1 DRYFIRE, 2011--Special Agent fighting crime in
West Virginia.
BURNEM: Smudges on Society, 2014—Former Special Agent fights terrorist in the Rockies.
Fast Gun Still Alive, 2015—Retired Special Agent fights evil in small western town.
Ronald Gagnon, published under pen name Ron Gauge,
Unresolved Issues, 2011—
Mystery novel about former ATF agent, small town police chief solving homicide.
Chuck Hustmyre,
An Act of Kindness, 2007—True crime, Louisiana murder case.
House of the Rising Sun, 2016—Crime novel set in New Orleans
A Killer Like Me, 2016—Serial killer novel set in New Orleans.
Twisted: Tales of Murder & Mayhem, 2012—Collection of crime short stories.
B. H. (Bernie) La Forest, Shadow Partners: A Law Enforcement Story, 2009--A mystery novel chronicling bombing investigation by ATF and local police by former ATF SAC
Mark Russin,
Justice for Dallas, 2013--Novel follows ATF agents investigation of quadruple homicide in N. California, inspired by actual case involving Hells Angeles.
Gary Clifton,
Burn Sugar Burn, 1988—Novel by form Dallas Special Agent.
Books About ATF by Other Authors
Anthony Bruno, The Iceman: The True Story of a Cold-Blooded Killer, 2013—Story of the Iceman murder investigation by New Jersey State Police and ATF, undercover by ATF SA Dominick Polifrone.
Cal Campbell,
Exploits of a Real ATF Agent, 2012—Biography of Prohibition/ATU agent who retired in 1954.
Kerrie Droban,
Running with the Devil: The True Story of the ATF's Infiltration of the Hells Angels, 2008—Narrative of ATF undercover operation.
Charley Gullett,
Beirut Arizona Operation Fast and Furious: The Gunwalker Scandal Connecting Mexican Drugs, Gun Control and Islamic Terrorism, 2011--Account of Fast and Furious operation from author very hostile to government agencies’ actions.
David Hardy,
The BATF’s War on Civil Liberites: Assault on Gun Owners, 1979— published by the Second Amendment Foundation
David B. Kopel and Paul H. Blackman,
No More Wacos: What's Wrong With Federal Law
Enforcement and How to Fix It, 1997—Critique of expanding federal law enforcement role by NRA researcher and libertarian attorney, disproportionately focused on gun laws to exclusion of other areas.
Dick J. Reavis,
The Ashes of Waco, 1995—Rather hostile account of Waco raid and subsequent confrontation between FBI and Dividians by journalist.
John C. McWilliams,
The Proctors: Harry Anslinger and the Federal Bureau of Narcotics,
1930-1962, 1990—History of FBN, but offers insight into split of narcotics from Prohibition
Bureau and effort to consolidate all Treasury enforcement agencies by Secretary Morgenthau.
Joseph Wambaugh,
Fire Lover: A True Story, 2004—Details the investigation by ATF of John Orr, serial arsonist and arson investigator, responsible for approximately 50 million dollars in fire losses and four deaths in Central and Southern California.
US Department of Justice and US Congress,
Complete Guide to the 1992 Ruby Ridge Incident, Randall Weaver, Kevin Harris, Right-Wing Extremist Groups, Aryan Nations, ATF, U.S. Marshals Service, FBI Conduct During Siege, Army Employment Issue, 2016
US Departments of Justice and Treasury and US Congress,
Complete Guide to the 1993 Waco Compound Standoff and Tragedy - Branch Davidians, David Koresh (Vernon Howell), Followers - ATF, FBI, Clinton Justice Dept., Janet Reno, Danforth and Treasury Reports, 2016.
William Vizzard
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Third Man Indicted for Armed Robbery Conspiracy Shoot-Out with Police Resulted in Fatality
For Immediate Release
Thursday, August 11, 2016
Tammy Dickinson
United States Attorney
Contact: Don Ledford
(816) 426-4220
www.justice.gov/usao-wdmo
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that a third man has been indicted for his role in a conspiracy that included at least 10 armed robberies, culminating in the armed robbery of a Walgreens in Blue Springs, Mo., which resulted in a fourth suspect being fatally shot by law enforcement officers.
Shannon R. Thomas, 26, of Shawnee, Kan., and Deonte J. Collins-Abbott, 21, and Parrise K. Black, also known as “Kilo,” 24, both of Grandview, Mo., were charged in a 22-count superseding indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2016. That indictment was unsealed and made public today upon Black’s arrest and initial court appearance. The superseding indictment replaces the original indictment that was returned on April 20, 2016, and adds Black as a co-defendant.
Thomas and Collins-Abbott have been in federal custody without bond since their arrests on March 24, 2016. Black remains in federal custody pending a detention hearing on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016.
The federal indictment alleges that Thomas, Collins-Abbott and Black participated in a conspiracy to commit a series of armed robberies between Jan. 2 and March 24, 2016.
In addition to the conspiracy, Thomas and Collins-Abbott are charged together with the armed robbery of the Walgreens located at 9th and Duncan in Blue Springs on March 24, 2016. They are also charged together with possessing and brandishing a firearm in relation to that crime. Thomas is also charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Thomas allegedly possessed a Springfield Armory semi-automatic pistol on March 24, 2016.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, law enforcement officers were conducting surveillance that day on Thomas and Collins-Abbott as part of an investigation into a series of armed robberies at businesses in Independence, Mo., Raytown, Mo., North Kansas City, Mo., Kansas City, Mo., and Kansas City, Kan. In all of these robberies, the affidavit says, the suspects consistently displayed handguns in a threatening manner and behaved in a violent and aggressive fashion physically toward their victims (including shooting one victim at the Conoco located at 4656 Prospect Ave., Kansas City, Mo., on March 15, 2016). The robberies appear to have been committed consistently by at least four suspects, the affidavit says, who appear in surveillance video in most of the incidents.
On March 24, 2016, according to the affidavit, Thomas, Collins-Abbot and Jermon Seals of Shawnee, Kan., confronted a Walgreens employee outside the business and forced the employee inside at gunpoint. Once inside, the affidavit says, one of the robbers placed a firearm to the back of the employee’s head and took money from the front register. The other two robbers went over the pharmacy counter and took prescription grade cough syrup at gunpoint from the pharmacist. They left the business but were confronted by law enforcement officers as they were walking back to the vehicle. They failed to comply with the officers’ commands, according to the affidavit, and turned towards the officers, pointing a gun in their direction. Officers returned fire and Seals was struck in the exchange. Collins-Abbott and Thomas were apprehended by officers after a short foot pursuit.
In addition to the Walgreens robbery, Thomas and Collins-Abbott are charged together in one count of armed robbery of Phillips 66, 8111 E. 87th St., Raytown, Mo., on March 2, 2016.
In addition to the Walgreens and Phillips 66 robberies, Thomas is also charged with three counts of armed robbery and three counts of possessing and brandishing a firearm in relation to those crimes. Thomas allegedly robbed Midwest Title Loan, 330 W. 85th St., Kansas City, Mo., on Jan. 19, 2016; and Conoco, 4516 E. 39th St., Kansas City, Mo., on March 15, 2016. Thomas and Black are charged together in one count of armed robbery of Shell, 3786 Broadway, Kansas City, Mo., on March 20, 2016, and one count of possessing and brandishing a firearm in relation to that crime.
In addition to the Walgreens and Phillips 66 robberies, Collins-Abbott is charged with five counts of armed robbery and five counts of possessing and brandishing a firearm in relation to those crimes. Collins-Abbott allegedly robbed Worlds Liquor and Tobacco, 1901 NE Russell Rd., Kansas City, Mo., on March 7, 2016; Conoco, 4516 E. 39th St., Kansas City, Mo., on March 8, 2016; and Dollar General, 5100 Blue Ridge Cutoff, Kansas City, Mo., on March 21, 2016. Collins-Abbot and Black are charged together in two counts of armed robbery and two counts of possessing and brandishing a firearm in relation to those crimes. They allegedly robbed QuikTrip, 16501 E. U.S. 40 Hwy., Independence, Mo., on Feb. 3, 2016; and Pour Boys, 2601 Chouteau, North Kansas City, Mo., on Feb. 3, 2016.
In addition to the conspiracy, Black is charged in a total of three counts of armed robbery and three counts of possessing and brandishing a firearm in relation to those crimes – one count in which he is charged together with Thomas, and two counts in which he is charged together with Collins-Abbott.
Dickinson cautioned that the charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Caine. It was investigated by the FBI, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, the Independence, Mo., Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the U.S. Marshals Service.
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This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, is available on-line at
http://www.justice.gov/wdmo
ATF Kansas City Division:
https://www.atf.gov/news/pr/third-man-indicted-armed-robbery-conspiracy
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Four Children Killed In Past Six Months
When it is Going to Stop?
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2 Kansas City Children Fatally Shot In Rising Homicide Count
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KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Four children have been killed by gunfire in Kansas City in the past six months, including two boys who were gunned down over the weekend.
The deaths of the boys, ages 8 and 9, raised the city's homicide total to 67 so far — the highest number by this time of year in seven years in Kansas City — and sparked anger from local leaders.
"I'm just really tired of hearing about kids getting killed," Mayor Sly James said Saturday afternoon. "You've got people with guns who don't care who's at the end of the bullet."
The shootings took place about 1:30 a.m. Saturday, but as of late Sunday afternoon no suspects had been identified. A 16-year-old girl at the same house was wounded by gunfire but is expected to survive.
Rosilyn Temple, president of the local chapter of Mothers in Charge, a crime victims' advocacy group, spent the early morning hours Saturday at the scene of the shootings, The Kansas City Star (http://bit.ly/2aQ6cV7
) reported.
"They did not have a chance," Temple said, referring to the young victims. "They were defenseless, and they needed us as a community to support them, to take care of them and to protect them. At this moment, we have failed."
One boy was declared dead on arrival , while the other died at the hospital, police said. The slayings happened just a few yards from where two men were killed in a hail of gunfire at a street party in 2013. Authorities at the time said the incident was prompted by a minor traffic accident.
Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker called Saturday's killings "another senseless tragedy."
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2017 Presidential Inauguration Commemorative Pins & Badge Orders
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At Pete Gagliardi's suggestion I wanted to share a personal story on a NIBIN success for the newsletter.
My wife's niece, Hillary Acton, was shot and killed during a street robbery last year. It took awhile, but while investigating another homicide the Indianapolis PD recovered a shell casing from the car of a witness in that homicide. NIBIN matched that casing with those found at the scene of Hillary's murder. Her boyfriend, who was with her during the robbery, was able to ID a picture of the witness in the other homicide as the shooter. He has been arrested and is awaiting trial. Great job for the system.
Charles Petersen
317-370-0053
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Editor's Note: In case you don't know what NIBIN stands for it is "National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN)"
"Crimes are solved by law enforcement following up on intelligence information from ballistic imaging technology. Since the 1990s, ATF has worked with our law enforcement partners to place the capabilities of the NIBIN Network where it can help incarcerate armed violent offenders plaguing our communities. Today ATF has the capability to share ballistics intelligence across the United States making law enforcement resources more effective. NIBIN Program."
"How it Works?
The NIBIN Program automates ballistics evaluations and provides actionable investigative leads in a timely manner. NIBIN is the only interstate automated ballistic imaging network in operation in the United States and is available to most major population centers in the United States.
Prior to the NIBIN Program, firearms examiners performed this process manually which was extremely labor intensive. To use NIBIN, firearms examiners or technicians enter cartridge casing evidence into the Integrated Ballistic Identification System. These images are correlated against the database. Law enforcement can search against evidence from their jurisdiction, neighboring ones, and others across the country. This program is one investigative tool accessed by law enforcement that allows each of us to share information and cooperation easily making all of us more effective in closing cases."
Did you know:
"Fast Facts
The National Integrated Ballistic Information Network is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms. Since the program’s inception in 1999, NIBIN partners have captured approximately 2.8 million images of ballistic evidence and confirmed more than 74,000 NIBIN hits, but the true performance metric of NIBIN is the successful arrest and prosecution of shooters. NIBIN cannot capture or store ballistic information acquired at the point of manufacture, importation, or sale; nor purchaser or date of manufacture or sale information."
Photos & Text From https://www.atf.gov/firearms/national-integrated-ballistic-information-network-nibin
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Stay In Touch With ATF Association Members
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Did you know that you can easily find the most up to date contact information for any ATF Association (ATFA) Member on the association’s website?
Go to: https://www.atfassociation.org
Log in with your username and password. If you need help with your username and password, send an email to: atfa@atfassociation.org.
When you are logged in to the website the “Member Menu” becomes available on the left-hand side of the screen. (You may have to scroll down.)
On the “Member Menu” click on “Member Search”
THE LESS INFORMATION YOU ENTER THE BETTER YOUR SEARCH RESULTS MAY BE!
For example if you are looking for someone with the first name of Robert, they may be in the database as Rob or Bob and typing Robert for their first name will not find them.
If you do not know how to correctly spell their last name you will not be able to find them.
Therefore, typing in just the first few letters of their last name may pull up a longer list of members, however the person you are looking for should be in the list.
After typing in information to search by, scroll down and click on the “Find Users” button.
Scroll down to find the list of members that your search found.
Click on the name that you want contact information for.
The members’ email address is under the box where their picture is posted if they have posted their picture. Scroll down to find additional information.
Click on the “Business Information” tab to get their company contact information.
If you are traveling, you can type in just the name of the state you will be in and you can find a list of members who live in that state.
REACH OUT AND CONNECT WITH YOUR FELLOW MEMBERS!
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ATF Association Foundation Approved By IRS For Charitable Status
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The ATF Association Foundation got great news in early August. Our application for charitable status as a 501(c) (3) organization was approved by the IRS.
The ATFA Foundation has been up and operating for a few years under the umbrella of the Federal Drug Agents Foundation based in New York City. This allowed the Foundation to collect funds and assist those in the ATF family in times of need. The most recent support was this past Spring when the family of ATF Special Agent William Sheldon came to Washington, DC to participate in ceremonies that saw his name placed on the National Law Enforcement memorial. Bill died as the result of a cancer connected with his work at the ground zero site.
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The ATFA foundation was spearheaded initially by Special Agent Dick Curd and others. Dick was a tireless advocate for the foundation and its potential to support members of the ATF family in times of need. Dick passed away a few years ago before seeing us get our own approval from IRS. I know he would be elated at this outcome. I had been talking with Dick just two days before he passed about what we could do to raise funds for the foundation. Dick’s employer at the time made a large contribution that serves as real financial bedrock for the Foundation.
I was most recently assisted by retired ATF counsels Eleaner Loos and Rob Tobiassen in the preparation of the IRS application documents.
Now that the IRS exemption is in place we will be looking to leverage our modest beginnings into a long lasting centerpiece of available charitable giving for those connected with ATF. One goal will be to eventually become recognized and listed in the combined federal campaign. Looking at the CFC requirements we have several hurdles to scale before our listing…..but Dick would be on our case to get it done.
Thanks to everyone who has contributed to the Foundation and encouragement to those who now have more reason to think about making this fund increasingly more robust!!
Bill Earle
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Marist College has partnered with law enforcement for over 20 years. For all ATF Association members, the Marist College
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
for Law Enforcement
is
just $333/credit ($12,987 total tuition for the program).
This program is offered 100% online, or in a unique hybrid format at three select locations in NY. The MPA program offers three distinct concentrations – Public Management, Ethical Leadership, or Health Care Administration. A great way to learn more about the MPA and other graduate programs is through one of our online information sessions
http://www.marist.edu/admission/graduate/eventrsvp.html
In addition, members of the ATF Association and their immediate adult family members age 22 and over, are eligible for a 25% discount on other select graduate and adult undergraduate degrees, many of which are offered 100% online. For our complete list of eligible programs and discounted pricing please visit
https://www.marist.edu/admission/graduate/eligible-programs.html
If you have any questions, please contact Brian Scott at 845-575-3980 or via email at
brian.scott1@marist.edu.
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What Did You Do This Summer?
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The classic question for homeroom teachers asking their returning students – What did you do this summer in one page. Now I’m asking my grandkids the same question…..or in some cases they are asking me. It can be good for our sense of time and place to consider the standard back to school question and what if anything is changing from Summer to Summer. Through the lens of our families at least we know these are valuable and long lasting memories.
This year we altered our family beach vacation with a three day add-on just for Bill and Diane! For the last 10 years we have been taking the family to the outer banks of North Carolina. We rent a house on the beach in one of the communities along route 12 from Duck to Corolla. With our pre arrival plan we needed a place for the just the two of us for a few days. We thought why not try Air BNB. Our search led us to a great home just one row back from the ocean in Whalehead, NC. The added gift was it came with breakfast……not a normal AirBNB amenity.
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Though AirBNB surprises are not always the best we found a real joy on our arrival in Whalehead. The owners and operators of our AirBNB are Randy and Margaret Dyer. As we got to know one another after settling in we had one of those revelation moments. Randy and I share a history with ATF! Randy retired from his career as a chemist at the ATF Laboratory. He worked on wine and other beverage alcohol matters until leaving ATF on an early out in 1994. He and his wife Margaret and their children decamped from their home in Fairfax, Virginia to the Outer Banks.
Margaret continued an active and prosperous career in real estate specializing in resort sales and rentals. Her firm is still active in Corolla. Randy redirected his energies to property development and maintenance in connection with Margaret’s real estate business. He and Margaret have in the last several years expanded their interests to driving their recreational vehicle down to the Florida Keys each fall to meet up with similarly engaged friends for an annual sojourn on a more southern beach.
So my experience this Summer was unexpectedly reconnecting with an ATF colleague, drinking some great wine and enjoying Margaret’s Killer Walnut Waffles. I hope you all had a rewarding and restorative summer no matter how it was experienced.
Bill Earle
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Consumer Prices Increase in April
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Consumer Prices Decrease in July
The Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) decreased by -0.22% in July 2016, after four months of minor increases. Thus, the COLA Count for federal/military retirees and Social Security recipients now stands at .23% with two months (August and September) to go. The August 2016 Consumer Price Index will be released on Friday, September 16, 2016.
Jo Ann Kocher
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Financial Investigator
Job Posting - Sacramento
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Welcome To Our New ATFA Members
Ali Berisha – Washington, DC
George Henderson - Fort Lauderdale, FL
Mark Jones – Chicago, IL
Dana Lee – Fairhope, AL
Rich Marianos - Gainesville, VA
Daniel Perrine - Polk City, IA
Anthony Piwowarczyk -
Weldon Springs, MO
Monique Randall – Mitchellville, MD
Christopher Scott – Jefferson, LA
Mark Teufert - Bowling Green, KY
Monique Villegas - San Diego, CA
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Our hearts and condolences go out to those families who have lost loved ones this month
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Rachel W. Oxley
February 11, 1930 - August 3, 2016
Rachel W. Oxley, 86, of Port St. Lucie passed away Wednesday, August 3, 2016 at Treasure Coast Hospice residence in Ft. Pierce, FL. Rachel was born in Greensburg, NC. She had been a resident of Port St. Lucie for the past seven years coming from Peachtree, GA. She was a member of Sunlight Community Church in Port St. Lucie, FL.
Survivors include her loving husband of 61 years, Riley Joshua Oxley; two sons, Alan Oxley and Jay Oxley; two daughters, Laurel Simpson and her husband Michael, Lynette Malone; nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
A Gathering will be held from 1:30pm -2:00 pm, Thursday, August 11, 2016 at Aycock FH-Byrd, Young & Prill Chapel, 1170 SW Bayshore Blvd, Port St. Lucie, FL 34983. A Memorial Service will follow at 2:00pm in our chapel.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Treasure Coast Hospice, 5090 Dunn Road, Fort Pierce, FL 34981.
Riley Oxley’s address:
501 NW Cashmere Blvd. Unit 220
Port Saint Lucie, FL 34986
Obiturary and Photo From: Dignity Memorial = Aycock Funeral Home
http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Rachel-Oxley&lc=9747&pid=180941540&uuid=431973be-bf9d-457a-9a93-94b1d8a18e88
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George H. McGrath:
June 24, 1936 ~ August 2, 2016 (age 80)
George H. McGrath III passed away Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at his home . He was born in Burrville, TN on June 24th, 1936.
He was happily married to Patricia Ann Crouch for 56 years. To this union were born 4 children. Daughter; Mary Anna Widick (fiancé Russ Hensley), daughter; Karen Griffith (husband Allen), son; Michael McGrath (wife Candice) and son; George McGrath.
He was preceded in death by his parents George H. McGrath, Jr. and Mary Wilmoth Peters and one sister Alleyna Lucinda Ellis.
He served in the USAF, US Border Patrol, US Immigration, US Marshalls, US Secret Service Presidential Campaign detail, and Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms as a Special Agent. He retired from the federal government after 30 years of service in 1986 and returned to his beloved Morgan County, TN. where he enjoyed 30 years of retirement. During that time he served on many boards and committees: 20 years as President of Morgan County Farm Bureau; Chairman of Mt.Vernon United Methodist Church; Chairman and board member of Morgan County Economic Development Board; Foreman of the Morgan County Grand Jury; Chairman of the Morgan County Republican Party. He was awarded the Floyd Freytag Lifetime Achievement Award In 2009.
He leaves behind 4 children, 12 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
The family will receive friends Thursday evening August 4, 2016 at Schubert Funeral Home in Wartburg from 5-7:00 p.m. Funeral services will follow with Pastor Tom Robbins officiating.
Graveside services will be Friday morning 11:00 a.m. in Mt. Vernon Cemetery in Burrville, TN with Military Honors.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Mt. Vernon Cemetery fund, 394 Burrville School Rd. Sunbright, TN 37872
Obituary and Photo From: Schubert Funeral Home
http://www.schubertfuneralhome.com/notices/George-McGrathIII
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Erica Hickson
Obituary
Erica Hickson, Daughter of Chief of Staff (COS) Ernest Hickson of the Office of Strategic Intelligence and Information (OSII)
August 8, 2016
OSII is saddened to announce the death of Ms. Erica J. Hickson, daughter of COS Ernest
Hickson. Ms. Hickson passed away on Thursday, August 4, 2016. The closed casket
service is planned for Wednesday, August 10, 2016, at the following location:
Millers Funeral Home & Crematory
3200 Golansky Boulevard
Woodbridge, VA 22192
From 9:45 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. – The family will have a private viewing.
There will be a closed casket service at 10:15 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
All floral arrangements may be sent to:
Millers Funeral Home & Crematory
3200 Golansky Boulevard
Woodbridge, VA 22192
Phone: 703-878-2273
Fax: 703-897-1377
In lieu of flowers, you have the option of making a donation to Stand Up for Kids, in the
memory of Ms. Erica J. Hickson at standupforkids.org. The donation information is on
the site.
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Ralph E King Jr.
May 28, 1934 - June 9, 2016
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Lou Weiers, Pittsburgh RAC, Beverly King, Wife of Ralph King, and Chris Taylor, ASAC, Philadelphia Field Division
RAC Weiers & ASAC Taylor Presented a Flag to Agent King's Wife Beverly
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Retired ATF SA David Grace, Beverly King, Wife of Ralph King, and Chris Taylor, ASAC, Philadelphia Field Division
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ATF Career:
Accepted Appointment: 06-03-1968
Criminal Investigator – GS-07
Philadelphia, PA
Reassignment - 1969
Camden, NJ
Change in Duty Station – 1976
Pittsburgh, PA
Detail NTE: 07-12-1979
Effective date: 05-14-1979
Supervisory Criminal Investigator
Retired Mandatory – 05-31-1989
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Beverly King Wife of Ralph King,
and IA Sherrie Long
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Ralph King's
Great G
randchildren
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Got Something You Want to SAY???
We are starting an informative space here on what you think!
We encourage all to write what is on your mind! So let us hear it!
But Be Nice!
We reserve the right to edit anything inappropriate
or controversial!
SO GET THOSE LETTERS COMING TO:
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In working in the Travel Industry (my second job at night and on weekends) I came across this interesting book which is an assessment of what is really Happiness and how it is obtained.
It said that “our most commonly held formula for success is broken” and that shared thinking is that “if we work hard we will be more successful” and therefore, we will be happy! But not just at work, but at anything you try to achieve, such as losing weight, getting that job you always wanted. But just discovered in the area of positive psychology shows that perception is actually backward and that “Happiness fuels success, not the other way around”. “When we are positive, our brains become more engaged, creative, motivated, energetic, resilient, and productive at work.”
So here are 3 tips to achieve that “Happiness” we all want:
- Write down 3 things you are grateful for each day.
- Compliment someone every day.
- Journal for 3 minutes about one beautiful thing that happened each day.
All easy tips to do and only takes a few minutes a day!
So Be Happy it’s worth it!
Read the book:
"The Happiness Advantage The Seven Principles Of Positive Psychology That Fuel
Success And-Performance At Work"
By Shawn Achor
Linda Douglas
Production Editor
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In Case you would like to view OR Forward any of the PAST Newsletters here are the last few month's link's to do so. Forwarding this newsletter from your personal email, will result in distortion of the newsletter to your sender, as it is set-up to be forwarded from our Email Service Provider, which is Constant Contact.
If you wish to send out this newsletter email me and I'll send you the link. I can't get the link until after it is sent out.
RIGHT CLICK on the Month Below to copy the Link:
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VA Provides Service Dog Benefits to Veterans
With Mental Health Disorders
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WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today that it is piloting a protocol to implement veterinary health benefits for mobility service dogs approved for Veterans with a chronic impairment that substantially limits mobility associated with mental health disorders.
“We take our responsibility for the care and safety of Veterans very seriously,” said VA Under Secretary for Health, Dr. David J. Shulkin
. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing appropriate, safe and effective, compassionate care to all Veterans. Implementing the veterinary health benefit for mobility service dogs approved for Veterans with a chronic impairment that substantially limits mobility associated with mental health disorders may prove to be significantly beneficial for some Veterans. The Service Dog Benefits Pilot will evaluate this premise.”
VA has been providing veterinary benefits to Veterans diagnosed as having visual, hearing or substantial mobility impairments and whose rehabilitation and restorative care is clinically determined to be optimized through the assistance of a guide dog or service dog. With this pilot, this benefit is being provided to Veterans with a chronic impairment that substantially limits mobility associated with a mental health disorder for whom the service dog has been identified as the optimal way for the Veteran to manage the mobility impairment and live independently.
Service dogs are distinguished from pets and comfort animals because they are specially trained to perform tasks or work for a specific individual with a disability who cannot perform the task or accomplish the work independently. To be eligible for the veterinary health benefit, the service dog must be trained by an organization accredited by Assistance Dogs International in accordance with VA regulations.
Currently, 652 Veterans with approved guide or service dogs receive the veterinary service benefit. This Pilot is anticipated to provide the veterinary service benefit to up to 100 additional Veterans with a chronic impairment that substantially limits mobility associated with a mental health disorder.
The VA veterinary service benefit includes comprehensive wellness and sick care (annual visits for preventive care, maintenance care, immunizations, dental cleanings, screenings, etc.), urgent/emergent care, prescription medications, and care for illnesses or disorders when treatment enables the dog to perform its duties in service to the Veteran.
Editors Note: Hope this article is helpful to anyone out there that may need this assistance who is a Veteran in need and has a pet!
Linda Douglas
Production Editor
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I would love to have your feedback on the new look and feel of the newsletter good or bad!
Please submit any questions,
responses and articles to me by the
15th of EACH MONTH
Articles received after the 15th will go into the
next month's newsletter
Please Send Articles to: LDouglas@DreamVacationsKC.Com
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the newsletter last month and this month! Your efforts are greatly appreciated!
Sunny Regards!
Linda Douglas
Production Editor-
ATF Association Newsletter
816-741-4196
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Your ATF Association
Committee Members
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Bill Earle
Vice President
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Rick Welch
Appointed Board Member
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Pat
Clowry
Region 1 Director
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Margurite Moccia
Appointed Board Member
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Rick Cook
Secretary/Treasurer & Region 2 Director
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Rick Welch
Appointed Board Member
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Terry Clark
At-Large Board Member
terry.clark63@icloud.com
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Link to Board Members on Website:
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Join Us On Facebook & Linkedin
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A new, non-public Facebook page has been established for members of ATFA and current and retired employees of ATF who are not yet members of ATFA.
From your Facebook page, send a friend request to either Rick Cook or to Jack Killorin. After they receive your request, they will invite you into the group.
You can also find the Association and find news and information at the ATF Association group on LinkedIn. This is a public site and you can find it and become a member by Clicking HERE.
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Please Support Our Sponsors!
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We are Grateful to our wonderful Sponsors.
Please Support Them!
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Click on any sponsor's logo to visit their website
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Thank you to Marist College for renewing their sponsorship of the ATF Association!
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In case you are not aware of it our platinum sponsor, Glock, offers substantial discounts on firearms to current and retired law enforcement officers under the Blue Label Sales Program.
You can access information on the program at
BlueLabelSales@glock.com
. You can purchase directly from Glock, delivered to a local FFL, or from a Glock partner dealer or distributor in your area, who participates in the program.
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With our commitment to uncompromising quality, GLOCK has the leading position in the world market. GLOCK uses advanced technological manufacturing methods, as well as high-tech concepts to provide the international benchmark for safety, reliability and ease of maintenance.
GLOCK's remarkable knowledge and experience from their applications and processing of steel and polymer are being used to design revolutionary products. These products meet and exceed the ongoing demand of law enforcement, military and civilian customers for firearms which demonstrate the very best in reliability, durability and safety of use. Their high-tech engineering and construction create a handgun that can stand up to more punishment then even the most unforgiving conditions can generate.
When you investigate the individual advantages of a GLOCK, you'll see that it will outperform whatever you're shooting now. GLOCK "The best product for the best value."
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Ultra Electronics Forensic Technology is a leader in forensic analysis providing innovative and effective solutions like its unique technology: the Integrated Ballistics Identification System (IBIS®). IBIS is designed to find the “needle in the haystack” by discovering matches between pairs of spent bullets and cartridge cases at speeds well beyond human capacity. Forensic Technology helps experts obtain timely information so they can make society a safer place.
ATFA appreciates Ultra Electronics Forensic Technology continuing their Silver Sponsorship of the ATF Association for another year! We are honored to be able to list them as supporters and
we are grateful for
their continued support of the men and women of ATFA.
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Sponsors Are Needed Contact Us
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We are always looking for new sponsors for Platinum, GOLD, and Silver, as well as just 1 time ads.
Thank You to all of our great Sponsors! We hope more of you will Sponsor with us!
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