Agenda for the November 5th meeting of the Dallas Way listing the topics and reports to be discussed.

Testimony issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "In November 2013, GAO reported that (1) peer-reviewed, published research we reviewed did not support whether nonverbal behavioral indicators can be used to reliably identify deception, (2) methodological issues limited the usefulness of DHS's April 2011 SPOT validation study, and (3) variation in referral rates raised questions about the use of indicators. GAO reported that its review of meta-analyses (studies that analyze other studies and synthesize their findings) that included findings from over 400 studies related to detecting deception conducted over the past 60 years, other academic and government studies, and interviews with experts in the field, called into question the use of behavior observation techniques, that is, human observation unaided by technology, as a means for reliably detecting deception. The meta-analyses GAO reviewed collectively found that the ability of human observers to accurately identify deceptive behavior based on behavioral cues or indicators is the same as or slightly better than chance (54 percent). GAO also reported on other studies that do not support the use of behavioral indicators to identify mal-intent or threats to aviation."

Correspondence issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD) was directed by the Senate and House Committees on Appropriations to provide a report on the results of a review to streamline the processes for coordinating and sharing information with its critical infrastructure (CI) protection partners. GAO was unable to assess the extent to which NPPD's streamlining efforts were designed to ensure progress in four areas--mission clarity, useful and actionable work products, efficacy of planning and information sharing, and cost savings--because DHS's response does not discuss NPPD efforts to streamline those processes. Specifically, GAO's analysis of DHS's response showed that DHS provided information on NPPD efforts to coordinate and share information with its public and private partners (e.g., CI owners and operators) and the results of some of those efforts but did not provide information about any NPPD efforts to streamline the processes for coordination and information sharing. For example, DHS's response includes a section on coordinating and executing plans--one of the five topic areas that NPPD was required to include in its report--that describes who NPPD's partners are and ways that NPPD coordinates and executes …

News release about DART's adjusted service schedule in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Testimony issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "GAO reported that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had made considerable progress toward obtaining a clean opinion on its financial statements. For example, DHS reduced the number of audit qualifications from 11 in 2005 to 1 in 2010. DHS is working to resolve the deficiencies in the U.S. Coast Guard's (USCG) ability to complete certain reconciliations and provide evidence supporting certain components of general property, plant, and equipment and heritage and stewardship assets that caused DHS's auditors to issue a qualified opinion on its fiscal year 2012 financial statements. DHS has a goal of achieving a clean opinion for fiscal year 2013. However, the DHS auditors' report for fiscal year 2012, the most recently completed audit, indicated that DHS continues to rely on compensating controls and complex manual work-arounds to support its financial reporting, rather than sound internal control and effective financial management systems."

Document with information about the Texas Environmental, Health, and Safety Audit Privilege Act (Audit Act) including the history of the act, significant changes made to the act in 1997 and 2013, and detailing the forms and procedures required by the act.

Application materials submitted to the Texas Historical Commission requesting a historic marker for the Lorenzo Dow Heaton House, in Victoria, Texas. The materials include the inscription text of the marker, original application, narrative, and photographs.

Testimony issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "Information technology (IT) acquisition best practices have been developed by both industry and the federal government. For example, the Software Engineering Institute has developed highly regarded and widely used guidance on best practices, such as requirements development and management, risk management, validation and verification, and project monitoring and control. GAO's own research in IT management best practices led to the development of the Information Technology Investment Management Framework, which describes essential and complementary IT investment management disciplines, such as oversight of system development and acquisition management, and organizes them into a set of critical processes for successful investments."

This document summarizes observed biases in ozone measurements at CASTNET sites in the Rocky Mountain National Park.

News release about the temporary suspension of rail services between two DART stations during JFK memorial ceremonies.

Correspondence issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "During its audit of the American Battle Monuments Commission’s (the Commission) fiscal year 2012 financial statements, GAO identified two material weaknesses that resulted in ineffective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2012. Specifically, the material weaknesses concern the Commission’s financial reporting process and its monitoring process. Because of these control weaknesses, GAO found significant errors in the Commission’s financial reporting that were not detected by the Commission. The Commission made the necessary adjustments and was able to prepare financial statements that were fairly stated in all material respects by fiscal year-end. However, these material weaknesses increase the risk that a material misstatement of the Commission’s financial statements will not be prevented, or detected and corrected, on a timely basis. GAO also found that a previously reported significant deficiency concerning foreign payroll processing continued to exist during fiscal year 2012. These material weaknesses and the significant deficiency in internal control warrant the attention of those charged with governance of the Commission."

Testimony issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "GAO's prior work has identified several key factors important to secure the maritime borders. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its components have made progress (e.g., coordinating with partners), and in some cases also experienced challenges with their related maritime security programs."

Minutes for the November 5th meeting of the Dallas Way including details on upcoming organization projects.

Correspondence issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins ""

Annual financial report of the Nueces River Authority for FY 2013.

One O'Clock Lab Band Day Proclamation created by the city of Denton mayor, Mark A. Burroughs, declaring November 19, 2013, as the "One O' Clock Lab Band Day."

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents and oral interview with Arthur Monaghan. Monaghan was born in Houston in 1922. After attending boot camp, he was assigned to Torpedo school in San Diego. He relates the various aspects of training he underwent and tells of being assigned to the Motor Torpedo Base 16. In 1943 his unit boarded a ship and he tells of the living conditions on board. He relates incidents that occurred while stationed on several island of the Philippines as well as one of the Russell Islands, including the introduction of the Mark 13 Torpedo. He also recalls one of his officers falling victim to monkey fever, which lead to his death. Monaghan was discharged soon after his return to the US in 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with August Hodde. Hodde joined the Navy in July 1943. He completed gunnery school, and served as a 40mm gun instructor through early 1944. Around November, Hodde served as a gunner’s mate aboard USS Hugh W Hadley (DD-774). At battle stations, he was gun captain on the portside twin 40mm. Beginning February of 1945, the Hadley escorted HMS Ranee (D03). Hodde describes their role during the Battle of Okinawa in April, helping protect against submarines and aircraft as the Japanese made final attempts to stop the invasion. He provides details of their 11 May attack by the Japanese, receiving bomb hits and downing numerous kamikazes. Hodde remained aboard as the torn Hadley was towed back to the US. He continued his service after the war, receiving his discharge in 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Carthon Phillips. Phillips was born in Vera, Texas on 17 April 1920 and grew up during the Depression. Soon after joining the Army Air Corps in 1941, he attended the Aviation School of Medicine in San Antonio. Upon completing the course, he qualified as a flight surgeon assistant assigned to the 7th Bomb Squadron and boarded USS Republic (AP-33) bound for Australia. He tells of being assigned to Cloncurry, Australia and graphically describes a combat mission he flew in a B-17 involving the use of Thermite bombs. Returning to the United States in 1942, he commenced flight training and he tells of the various aircraft he flew. Phillips also relates his experiences as a ground control approach instructor and his involvement in the Berlin Airlift. He retired after twenty-eight years of service.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Charles Sullivan. Sullivan was born 11 November 1923. He joined the Navy in December of 1942. He served as an Electrician’s Mate aboard USS Wesson (DE-184). They traveled to Kwajalein and the Marianas. Sullivan speaks of supporting the Philippine Island operations, and the Okinawa invasion. He returned to the US in late 1945, and received his discharge in 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Dorwin Lamkin. Lamkin joined the Navy in 1940. He completed Hospital Corps Training School and served as a corpsman and hospital apprentice aboard the USS Nevada (BB-36), where he was stationed during the attack on Pearl Harbor. The Nevada was torpedoed and bombed during the surprise attack. Lamkin later served aboard the USS President Jackson (APA-18) and the USS San Francisco (CA-38). In early 1945, he was assigned to a Naval Hospital in the Philippines. He was discharged in 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Edmund Russell. Russell joined the Army Air Corps in 1940. He was stationed at Wheeler Field in Hawaii, serving in the mess hall and with a fatigue unit, assisting with ditch digging, garbage hauling and other manual labor. Russell was in Hawaii during the attack on Pearl Harbor. He later completed Navigator School and served as an A-26 Bombardier/Navigator in India and China, supporting Chinese nationalists. Russell returned to the US in late 1945 and received his discharge.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Floyd Trogdon. Trogdon joined the Army Air Forces in October 1942 and went through the aviation cadet training program to train as a navigator. He earned his commission in December 1943 and reported t oB-24 flight crew duty the following January. He arrived in Italy in April, 1944 and began flying combat missions. Trogdon describes various missions he flew, including one over Ploesti. He flew 50 missions by October and returned to the US to attend an advanced navigation course. Trogdon also underwent pilot training. He graduated as a pilot in October, 1945. He stayed in the Air Force and worked on nuclear weapons systems.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Harold Heist. Heist joined the Army Air Forces in January of 1943. He completed navigation school and received his wings and commission in July of 1944. He was assigned to the 15th Air Force, 376th Bomb Group, 514th Bomb Squadron, and served as a navigator aboard a B-24. He also navigated the position of a Victory Ship in a convoy for a 28-day trip across the Atlantic, working with the radio system, arriving in Oran, Africa in October of 1944. He met up with the 376th Bomb Group in Italy. He flew his first mission on 6 December 1944 over Hungary and completed a total of 47 missions. Heist provides details of his experiences through several of his missions over Germany and Italy. Their bomb group was known for their precision bombing, keeping enemy viaducts, roads and rail lines destroyed and useless. After the war, he served in the Reserves and then was released from active duty and assigned to the Voluntary Air Reserve Training Unit (VARTU). He retired in 1973 from the Air Force.