Briefs

Advertiser Staff and News Services

ARMY

UH competes in ROTC challenge

The University of Hawai'i Reserve Officers Training Corps program joined ROTC participants from Guam, American Samoa and Alaska for the 2001 Ranger Challenge Competition Saturday.

Team and individual contests tested physical training and military knowledge in such events as rope-bridge building and crossing and land navigation.

PACIFIC COMMAND

Two Philippines bases secured

Pacific Fleet commander Adm. Thomas Fargo has secured the use of two former U.S. military bases in the Philippines for transit and staging operations related to the attacks in Afghanistan.

The Philippines gave approval for U.S. use of the Clark Air Base and Subic Bay naval base as a staging area for troops on their way to the Middle East or Central Asia.

The base offer was made during a meeting in the Philippines two weeks ago.

Abu Sayyaf rebels, on the U.S. list of terrorist organizations, are fighting the Philippine army on Basilan Island in the south.

ALL SERVICES

Wives to hold conference

The Seventh annual Joint Women's Conference will be held Friday and Saturday at the Hickam Officer's Club.

The conference for wives of active and retired military members throughout Hawai'i is intended to enrich, educate and motivate women in their roles as spouses, mothers, professionals and community leaders and role models.

Cost to attend the conference is $20 for both days, $15 for Friday only and $10 for Saturday only. For more information, visit the conference Web site.

Charity drive helps Red Cross

The Hawai'i-Pacific Combined Federal Campaign, described as "the largest employee charity drive in the free world," began Sept. 24 and will run through Nov. 5.

The theme of this year's drive is "Giving Does Make a Difference." The American Red Cross is among the beneficiaries.

Military personnel can obtain more information about the drive and options for contributing through their department's designated CFC "key person."