Kim Foley, president and CEO of Foley Inc., Caterpillar dealer for northern New Jersey and Staten Island, accepted an invitation from Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld to participate in the Defense Department’s Joint Civilian Orientation Conference (JCOC 66). The program, which was held June 8 to 14, 2003, gave participants an opportunity to learn first-hand about U.S. military personnel, their equipment and capabilities, and national defense strategies.

As a JCOC 66 participant, Foley visited military bases of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Very few people, even those employed by the Department of Defense, get the opportunity to interact with such an encompassing cross-section of military leaders and service members of all ranks. Participants flew on military aircraft; experienced aircraft landings and launches from Navy ships; observed amphibious landings, urban area combat techniques, special operations assaults, and other warfare demonstrations.

The program began in Washington, D.C., where Foley met and was briefed by Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Richard B. Myers and other senior military and civilian officials.

After the Washington, D.C.-orientation, the JCOC team traveled by military aircraft to the Royal Air Force base at Mildenhall, United Kingdom, where they were met by General James L. Jones, United States Marine Corp., Supreme Allied Commander, Europe. Due to a refocusing of military resources in the United States on Operation Iraqi Freedom, the conference adjusted what had been a U.S.-based agenda to one focused on the key command centers engaged in winning the global war on terrorism. While seeing soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coastguardsmen in action they learned more about everything from conducting military operations to day-to-day activities of being a service member.

According to Foley, “This was a once in a lifetime experience that gave me new insights into how our military is changing with the times. Imagine one day experiencing an in-flight refueling of fighter aircraft, the next day operating and firing an M-1 tank, and the next taking part in a rescue and evacuation simulation. It was an exciting trip that reinforced my appreciation for the military.

“The state-of-the-art equipment and high-tech capabilities are extremely impressive. The men and women of our armed forces are an incredible group of people. Their physical condition, determination, and patriotism are simply amazing. I have great pride in them, and a deep sense of appreciation for what they do.”

This conference was initiated in 1948 by Secretary Forestal and is the Department’s premier civic leader program. Forty-five U.S. citizens are selected from hundreds of candidates nominated by military commands worldwide. JCOC 66 participants paid all of their own expenses, including travel to and from the conference, lodging and meals.

Today's top stories

VIDEO: $4.7B Gordie Howe International Bridge Project Nears Completion

Volvo CE Upgrades Straight Boom Demolition Excavators

Construction Market Boosts Economy

Bobcat Company Donates $885,000 in Equipment to Support Salvation Army's Disaster Relief Efforts

VIDEO: KEMROC Expands; Plans to Increase Nationwide Presence

INFRA Grant Moves Ohio's N. Coast Connector Project Steps Closer

John Deere Construction Introduces Flexible Customer Training Options

VIDEO: First of Two Sections of NYC's $1.45B East Side Coastal Resiliency Project Is Complete