The White Falcon - 19.02.1993, Page 2

Setting the standard
Editor's Note: The following editorial is one of two written by the
Commander, Iceland Defense Force, RADM Michael D. Haskins.
Following these will be editorials written by commanding officers,
commanders, officers-in-charge and senior enlisted advisors from
every command.
We are living in some exciting times, and the outstanding men and
women of the Iceland Defense Force are not only some of the best in
all of the services, but are and will be shaping the remainders of the
90’s and the next decade.
I have now been on board for six months and have had the
opportunity to visit most of the commands and units and meet quite
a few of the men and women who are making a difference.
As we lode at our organizations in an effort to work smarter, I want
to share with all of you my feelings on a varity of subjects that if
implemented, can and will make a difference in how we conduct
business and improve everyone’s quality of life.
Most everyone has heard of Total Quality Leadership (TQL for the
Navy) and Total Quality Management (TQM for the Air Force.) The
programs and the philosophy from the top is here to stay. It doesn’t
matter what name you call it, but I am here to tell you that the whole
premise of these programs is to have trained people, working within
organizations which are making the best use of its people and its
systems to do the job.
They key in the military is that we all must remember that we have
to have a clear definition as to what the mission is. That whatever the
mission is, it will not be fully realized without every member of the
team working together and feeling good about the organization and
themselves.
Sounds simple doesn’t it? I used to call it smart leadership and
common sense, but in reality not everyone has common sense.
All leaders at all levels from myself down to the petty officers and
NCOs must ensure that we are taking care of our people and that
quality of life becomes a reality. This is more than ensuring that the
for excellence...
quarters you live in are the best they can be. More than a larger
selection of items in the exchange or a new commissary. Sure they artf
part of it, but do we know the men and women who work for us? How
are they coping with the darkness of winter and the harsh weather®
Are we ensuring that our people are provided with the tools they need
for the job or advancement?
It’s more than just telling the airman or seaman that the advance-
ment test is next month and good luck. Are you providing the
mentors, time and training classes that will make the difference?
There are few finer feelings than having a senior enlisted man or
woman approach you years later and telling you that you made the
difference. That you pushed them with guiding motivation to succeed
with advancement and they are proof.
Other areas of importance that I want everyone to realize are listed
as follows:
Race relations. Listening and understanding each other.
Personal safety, when returning to the United States and an
awareness of violent crime.
The challenges facing our young married families and the impor-
tance of successful sponsor and ombudsman programs.
Standards of conduct This is for real. All are held accountable
for their actions on and off the job. No exceptions!
Substance abuse. Avoid them, don’t use them. Remember that
alcohol is a drug. Help is available if you need it
In summary, I want to quote Admiral Henry Mauz, Commander
U.S. Atlantic Fleet when he says, “We are responsible for our
people’s professional and personal development. In knowing our
people and in setting and maintaining high standards, we promote
pride, achievement, and health. Personal leadership down to airt
including the work center is fundamental to this process.” I
Go and do! "
RADM Michael D. Haskins, USN
Commander, Iceland Defense Force
Questions answered about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Information provided by U. S. Naval
Hospital, Keflavik, Iceland
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), is
the medical term for the sudden, silent, and
unexpected death of a previously healthy
baby. Other common terms used for this
condition are crib death or in British English,
cot death. Whatever term is used, the out-
come is the same; infants who have never
given any sign of health problems unexpect-
edly die. SIDS is a medical condition of
unknown cause. It is unrelated to any action
by parents or other taking care of the baby.
SIDS has baffled doctors since ancient
times. Although the occurrence of SIDS is
relatively rare, it is devastating when a baby
dies for no apparent reason. Even today
physicians cannot predict which babies it will
strike. It is diagnosed when all other possible
causes of death have been ruled out.
Although the cause has not yet been deter-
mined, it is probably related to immaturity of
the infant’s nervous system. Researchers
have been able to rule out some of the myths
that used to accompany the syndrome. For
example, it is not due to smothering or chok-
ing, nor is it due to neglect or abuse. While
infections can produce events similar to S IDS,
there is no evidence of infection in infants
succumbing to SIDS. Abnormalities of the
heart and brain can now be diagnosed with
accuracy and are not present in SIDS.
More must be learned about SIDS before
it can be prevented. To learn more about
SIDS, or to contribute to continuing research,
contact the SIDS Foundation at 1-800-232-
SIDS or the Americans SIDS Institute, At-
lanta, Ga., 404-843-1030.

Coenraander, Iceland Defense Force
RADM Michael D. Haskins
Public Affairs Officer
LT Joseph L. Quimby
Deputy Public Affairs Officer
Fridthdr Kr. Eydal
Chief Petty Officer In Charge
JOC Terry J. Bamthouse
Draftsman
DM2 Danielle J. Kim
Editor
302 Colleen “Ghostwriter" Casper
Journalist
J02 Carlos Bongioanni
J03 (SW) Andreas Walter
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