The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
July 05, 2012

President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to appoint the following individuals to key Administration posts:

• Tim Carlson – United States Representative, Governing Board of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency
• Richard Ginman – Chair, Government Accountability and Transparency Board
• Major General Don Loranger, USAF (Ret) – Member, National Security Education Board

President Obama said, “These fine public servants bring a depth of experience and tremendous dedication to their new roles.  Our nation will be well-served by these individuals, and I look forward to working with them in the months and years to come.”

President Obama announced his intent to appoint the following individuals to key Administration posts:

Tim Carlson, Appointee for United States Representative, Governing Board of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency
Tim Carlson is President of C-TECH, LLC and Carlson Associates.  Before joining C-TECH, Mr. Carlson served as President and CEO of Powered by Renewables from 2005 to 2011 and as a Managing Partner of Nevada Wind from 2003 to 2011.   From 1996 to 2001, Mr. Carlson was President and CEO of Nevada Test Site Development Corporation. In 1993, he was appointed as Executive Director of the Nevada Commission on Economic Development, a position he held until 1996.  He began his professional career in the 1970s and 1980s working for the State of Nevada as Deputy Administrator of the Nevada Division of Colorado River Resources and Executive Director of the Nevada Development Authority.  Mr. Carlson earned a B.S. in Public Administration from Utah State University. 

Richard Ginman, Appointee for Chair, Government Accountability and Transparency Board
Richard Ginman is Director of Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy (DPAP) at the Department of Defense, a position he has held since June 2011.   Previously, Mr. Ginman served as Principal Deputy Director of DPAP from 2008 to 2011 and as Deputy Director of four DPAP directorates from 2006 to 2011.  Mr. Ginman served as the Vice President of Maritime Information Systems for General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems (GDAIS) in 2005 and 2006. Prior to this, he was the Director of the Surveillance & Sensors Business Group at GDAIS in 2003 and 2004. Mr. Ginman was the Director of Contracts for Digital System Resources from 2001 to 2003; and Commander of the Navy Exchange Service Command from 1998 to 2000.  From 1996 to 1998, he was the Deputy for Acquisition and Business Management for the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition. From 1994 to 1996, he was the Deputy Commander for Contracts, Naval Sea Systems Command.  Mr. Ginman was commissioned as an Ensign in the Supply Corps, United States Navy in 1970 and retired as a Rear Admiral in 2000.  Mr. Ginman holds a B.A. from Williams College and an M.B.A. from George Washington University.

Major General Don Loranger, USAF (Ret), Appointee for Member, National Security Education Board
Major General Don Loranger, USAF (Ret) is the Director of the University of Montana Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center’s Defense Critical Language and Culture Training Program.  From 2003 to 2009, he worked as an independent consultant providing advice on leadership, systems design, strategic planning and safety for clients including the United States Marine Corps and Behavioral Science Technology.  From 1997 to 2002, he was Vice President for Human Resources and Manager for Safety, Quality Systems, and Risk at Commonwealth Aluminum/Commonwealth Industries.  General Loranger served in the United States Air Force from 1966 to 1996.  From 1988 to 1996, he held a series of senior leadership roles, including Commander of the Joint Task Force in Southwest Asia, Vice Commander of the Eighth Air Force Division, and Commander of the 435th Tactical Airlift Wing at Rhein Main Air Base in Germany.  General Loranger received a B.A. from the University of Montana and an M.A. from Michigan State University.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
July 04, 2012

Background on Military Naturalization Ceremony at the White House

WASHINGTON, DC - On July 4, 2012, President Obama will deliver remarks at a naturalization ceremony for active duty service members in the East Room of the White House. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Alejandro Mayorkas will present the countries of the candidates for naturalization and Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano will deliver the oath of allegiance. The audience will be composed of the service members and their families.
 
Other Senior Administration Officials will also be speaking at naturalization ceremonies around the country, including Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis in New York, Small Business Administrator Karen Mills and Council on Environmental Quality Chair Nancy Sutley in Massachusetts, Domestic Policy Council Director Cecilia Muñoz in Virginia, and Cabinet Secretary Chris Lu in Maryland.

The President hosted similar naturalization ceremonies at the White House on May 1, 2009 and April 23, 2010.
 
The following active duty service members are expected to attend as candidates for naturalization:
 
Byron Oswaldo Acevedo, born in Guatemala City, Guatemala, enlisted in the Marine Corps in April 2010 from Providence, Rhode Island.  Lance Corporal Acevedo has served in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and served in Helmand province, Afghanistan in a Quick Reaction Force and Aerial Interdiction Force. His personal awards and decorations include a Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Nato Medal-ISAF Afghanistan, and an Armed Forces Reserve Medal.
 
Oluwatosin K Akinduro, born in Lagos, Nigeria, graduated high school in Houston, Texas. He joined the Army National Guard in search of new opportunities and a new challenge to lead by example.
 
Miguel Andrade, born and raised in the Cape Verde Islands, moved to the United States in the fall of 2008. Private First Class Andrade has distinguished himself, earning a coveted position in 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment’s Scout Platoon.
 
Alla Victorovna Ausheva, born in Russia, Alla joined the New York Army National Guard in July 2011 and serves as a maintenance technician in Company G of the 427th Brigade Support Battalion. The unit supports the 1st Battalion 258th Field Artillery. She lives in Bayside, NY.
 
Francisco Jose Ballesteros de la Rosa, born in Mexico, joined the Marine Corps in December 2009. Corporal Ballestros’ personal awards and decorations include the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. 
 
Oscar Javier Beltran Medina, born in Bolivia, enlisted into the United States Air Force in 2009 as a Vehicle Operator. Airman Beltran is currently assigned to Joint Base Andrews, MD. During his 2 ½ years, Airman Beltran has completed college courses at Northern Virginia Community College and volunteered his time at Charlotte Hall Veterans home in Maryland.
 
Silvano Carcamo, born in Honduras, moved to Springfield, OH in 1996. Specialist Carcamo enlisted in the Army in October 2009 and became a medic. His first duty station was Bravo Troop, 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division where he served as a line medic. During his deployment from March 2011 to March 2012 he earned several awards among them an Army Achievement Medal, Combat Medic Badge, and a Navy Achievement Medal.
 
Luisa Maria Childers, born in El Salvador, moved to the United States at the age of 6. She joined the Army Reserves in 2009 and is a 72R, Parachute Rigger. Her goal is to ultimately become an Army Medic.
 
Mamadou Aliou Diallo, born in Conakry, Guinea, enlisted in the Marine Corps in May 2011. Private First Class Diallo is an Online Message Board Clerk at Marine Barracks in Washington, D.C..  His decorations include the National Defense Service Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
 
Terence Njikang Ekabe, born in Cameroon, enlisted in the Air Force in June 2011 as a 4N0/med technician. Airman Ekabe also helped raise money for Veterans’ families, Airmen in need, and the Air Force Assistance Fund. His charitable giving extends beyond the United States to his home country where he raised $3,000 worth of toys, clothing, and others items for the village children of Cameroon during Christmas.
 
Sergey Eliseev, born in Russia, has received numerous decorations and personal awards, including the Army Achievement Medal, Honor Grade from 88M10 AIT, National Defense  Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon
 
Andriy Olegovich Gener, born in Odessa, Ukraine, arrived in the United States on September 10, 2001. Private First Class Gener is currently serving with 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division as a member of the Brigade Personal Security Detail in Fort Carson, CO for the Brigade CSM and the Brigade Commander.  His awards and decorations include the Army Service Ribbon, and the National Defense Medal.
 
Daniel Arcenal Geneta, born in the Philippines, came to the United States in August 1994.  Geneta joined the New York Army National Guard in 2006 because of the events of September 11, 2001. He is a squad leader in the 719th Transportation Company and in civilian life works as an account executive at Urban Associates, a New York City real estate company.
 
Alexey Isachenko, born in Russia, has received numerous decorations and personal awards, including being selected to Commandants List 88M10 AIT, the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and Army Service Ribbon.
 
Yvonne Marie Middleton-White, born in Belize, enlisted in the US Army in January 2012.  Middleton-White noted “being an American citizen means everything in the world to me. It means that I have a voice in who makes decisions for me by voting. I will be a part of something bigger. I will be a part of a successful country made up of the best the world has to offer.”

Carlos Eduardo Navichoque, born in Guatemala City, enlisted in 2009 in the Army. Specialist Navichoque deployed with the 2-14 Infantry Battalion to Iraq from March 2010 to August 2010 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During his tour, he served as a Motor Transport Operator and was awarded the Combat Action Badge.
 
Faye Ubad Ngirchomlei, born in Palau, enlisted in the Army in 2008.  In April 2009, Nigirchomlei was assigned to 511th Military Police Company at Fort Drum, NY as Automated Logistic Specialist. She was deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan where she was responsible for ensuring the maintenance section supported outlying platoons, with supplies and other support services.
 
Aegean Pascua Obed, born in the Philippines, Obed currently serves as a Mobile Gun System crew member in A Company, 3-21 Infantry.
 
Praseuthsith Phimmasone, born in the Philippines, enlisted in the Marine Corps in March 2007. Private First Class Phimmasone currently serves in the 6th Engineer Support Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group. Corporal Phimmasone was selected 6th Engineer Support Battalion’s Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter for the fourth quarter of 2009 and was also awarded Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter for third quarter of 2010. Sergeant Phimmasone’s awards include a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, a National Defense Service Medal, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon, a Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, two Meritorious Masts, and a Letter of Appreciation. 
 
Fatima Vanessa Rivera Fuentes, born in El Salvador, joined the New York Army National Guard in 2009 and has served as an aviation electronics technician working on UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters. Fuentes came to the United States in 1999.
 
Guillermo Enrique Roche Rendon, born in Ecuador, went to middle school and high school in the US but had to drop out in the 11th grade to help support his family. In time, he earned his GED and also completed college courses. He joined the US Army as a Cavalry Scout. Private First Class Roche’s awards include the Army Service Ribbon and the National Defense Service Medal.
 
Sedrick Kwesi Sam, born in Ghana, serves as an Airman for the Air Force. 
 
Hans Lemuel Pang Sy, born in the Philippines, moved to the United States with his parents and three siblings in 2005.  He joined the US Army on October 18, 2011.
 
Jhonathan Gerardo Zapata, born in Colombia, joined the Army in January 2012.
 
Cristian Felipe Zapata Gil, born in Colombia, moved to the United States at the age of 13.  After Haiti’s earthquake Zapata Gil decided to join the US Army where he serves as a Watercraft Engineer.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
July 03, 2012

President Obama Signs Florida Disaster Declaration

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Florida and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by Tropical Storm Debby beginning on June 23, 2012, and continuing.

The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Baker, Bradford, Columbia, Pasco, and Wakulla Counties.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

W. Craig Fugate, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named Gracia B. Szczech as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. 

FEMA said that damage surveys are continuing in other areas and more counties and additional forms of assistance may be designated after the assessments are fully completed.

FEMA said that residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance tomorrow by registering online at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice. 

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
July 03, 2012

President Obama to Sign Transportation and Student Loan Interest Rate Bill at Event with Construction Workers, Students

WASHINGTON—On Friday, July 6, in the late afternoon, President Obama will hold an event at the White House with construction workers and college students to sign HR 4348, which will put Americans to work repairing the nation’s crumbling roads and bridges and will prevent interest rates from doubling for more than 7 million students. More details will be released as they become available.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
July 03, 2012

Statement by the President on the Passing of Andy Griffith

Michelle and I were saddened to hear about the passing of Andy Griffith this morning.  A performer of extraordinary talent, Andy was beloved by generations of fans and revered by entertainers who followed in his footsteps.  He brought us characters from Sheriff Andy Taylor to Ben Matlock, and in the process, warmed the hearts of Americans everywhere.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Andy’s family.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
July 03, 2012

President Obama to Deliver Remarks at a Naturalization Ceremony for Active Duty Service Members at the White House

WASHINGTON, DC – On July 4, President Obama will deliver remarks at a naturalization ceremony for active duty service members in the East Room. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Alejandro Mayorkas will present the countries of the candidates for naturalization and Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano will deliver the oath of allegiance. 

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
July 02, 2012

Statement by the President on Last Night’s Crash of North Carolina Air National Guard C-130

Yesterday, a military C-130 from the North Carolina Air National Guard crashed while supporting firefighting efforts in South Dakota.  The full details are still under investigation, but the crew of this flight – along with their families and loved ones – are in our thoughts and prayers.  The men and women battling these terrible fires across the West put their lives on the line every day for their fellow Americans.  The airmen who attack these fires from above repeatedly confront dangerous conditions in an effort to give firefighters on the ground a chance to contain these wildfires – to save homes, businesses, schools, and entire communities. They are heroes who deserve the appreciation of a grateful nation.  I know Americans across the country share my concern for the well-being of the surviving members of the crew and my deep condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. And I know that Americans join me in expressing my deepest gratitude for the selfless determination they and thousands of men and women involved in this fight in states across the country demonstrate every day.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
July 02, 2012

Readout of President Obama’s Call to President-elect Peña Nieto of Mexico

Today the President called Enrique Peña Nieto, President-elect of Mexico, to congratulate him on his victory based on the initial results issued by Mexico’s electoral authorities.  The two leaders reaffirmed the close bilateral partnership the United States and Mexico enjoy based on mutual respect, shared responsibility, and the deep connections between our people.  The President reiterated his commitment to working in partnership with Mexico, and looks forward to advancing common goals, including promoting democracy, economic prosperity, and security in the region and around the globe, in the coming years.  The President also congratulated the Mexican people who have once again demonstrated their commitment to democratic values through a free, fair, and transparent election process.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
July 02, 2012

President Obama Announces Presidential Delegation to the Republic of Korea to attend United States National Day at the Yeosu Expo 2012

President Barack Obama today announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to the Republic of Korea to attend the United States National Day at the Yeosu Expo 2012.

The Honorable Jane Lubchenco, Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, will lead the delegation on July 4, 2012.

Members of the Presidential Delegation:

The Honorable Sung Kim, United States Ambassador to the Republic of Korea and United States Commissioner to Expo 2012 Yeosu, Korea

Ms. Wendy S. Cutler, Assistant United States Trade Representative for Japan, Korea and APEC Affairs

The Honorable Adam Ereli, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs

Mr. Daniel Dae Kim, Honorary United States Cultural Ambassador to the 2012 World Expo

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
July 01, 2012

Statement by the Press Secretary on Recent Attacks in Kenya

The United States strongly condemns the recent attacks on innocent civilians attending church services in Kenya.  The attacks on two churches in Garissa follow shortly after the killing of one aid worker and the kidnapping of four others in Dadaab refugee camp this week, as well as an attack on a nightclub in Mombasa last weekend.  The perpetrators of these attacks have shown no respect for human life and dignity, and must be brought to justice for these heinous acts.

At a time of transition, peace and stability are essential to Kenya's progress.  We support those who recognize Kenya’s ethnic and religious diversity as one of the country’s greatest strengths.

The United States extends its deepest condolences to the families of those killed and to those wounded by these attacks, and we stand with the Kenyan people at this difficult time.