59th MDW Airmen honored for performance at 2013 Warrior Games

by Senior Airman Courtney Moses
59th Medical Wing Public Affairs

6/17/2013 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- Eight Airmen from the 59th Medical Wing Patient Squadron were recognized for their performance at the 2013 Warrior Games during a ceremony held June 12 at the Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center.

Capts. Sarah Evans and Wesley Glisson, Master Sgts. Shawn Schwantes and Sherri Nel, Staff Sgts. Jason Caswell and Lara Ishikawa, Senior Airman Orion Orellana, and Airman 1st Class Clint Williams were honored amongst friends, family and colleagues when the 59th Medical Wing Vice Commander Col. James McClain, commended their ability to recover, reintegrate and thrive after overcoming significant physical and behavioral challenges.

"Without your tenacity and dedication, this accomplishment would not have been possible," McClain said. "I know that successes like this are not automatic and are the result of practice, hard work and sacrifice, and I hope this unique experience has helped you in your recovery process."

Although each Airman was physically successful, some had to look past their doubters, as well as within.

"Just because somebody says you're done with this and done with that, doesn't mean you are," said Caswell, who won a bronze medal in both shot put and discus. "The biggest challenge I was faced with was not to hide behind my injury."

The eight wounded warriors brought home six of the Air Force's 30 medals, to include gold in the women's 100, silver in the women's 200, silver in men's tandem cycling and men's 1500, as well as bronze in shot put and discus. Held May 11-16 in Colorado Springs, Colo., the 2013 Warrior Games showcase the resilient spirit of wounded, ill or injured service members from all branches of the U.S. military.

Evans, who lost her leg to bone cancer in 2012, said she garners motivation by observing the achievements from those who have come before her.

"It was a big learning experience," Evans said. "When you're freshly disabled you think that you can't do these things anymore and when you can see others that are able to do these incredible events and perform at a high level. That's what motivates me."

Participation in adaptive sports activities is an important part of healing and recovery for wounded, ill or injured personnel, but Caswell said mental determination is the key to accomplishing any obstacle he may face.

"You have to find that internal drive, and once you find that internal drive grab a hold of it and you will be surprised by what you can do," said Caswell. "The world never stops, your life doesn't stop. You get injured and then you learn to adapt. That's why it's called adaptive sports."

McConnell Total Force Team prepares for Iowa bike race

by Staff Sgt. Abigail Klein
931st Air Refueling Group Public Affairs

6/15/2013 - MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- For most people, the thought of biking hundreds of miles through unfamiliar rugged territory is not only daunting, it's exhausting. For four McConnell Airmen, this is how they will spend their Saturday mornings for the next four weeks.

The Airmen are participating in the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa. For the Air Force, the RAGBRAI gives Airmen a chance to showcase the service's fitness culture and recruit for enlisted and civilian positions in the Reserve, guard and active duty. When the McConnell Team crosses the starting line July 21, 2013, it will mark the 19th year the Air Force has participated in the event, which originated in 1973.

For Senior Master Sgt. Joseph Salomon, 931st Maintenance Squadron Fabrication Flight chief, the race is a labor of love. Salomon has been cycling for 12 years, and this is his second time participating on the McConnell team.

"[I began when] I was active duty in the Army in the late 1980s, and it continued when I joined the Reserve program [in San Antonio].  In 2003 I met up with some guys who were cycling," he said. "I was out riding one day and the team captain from there mentioned the Air Force Cycling team to me. "

During his first year on the cycling team, Salomon provided team support, which gave him exposure to the RAGBRAI. The following year, he rode with the team as a member. Despite a couple of medical setbacks in the years following, Salomon later rode later with the Scott Air Force Base, Ill., team, eventually ending up at McConnell, where he again established a cycling team. Like his previous teams, the McConnell team began through a mutual love of cycling.

"I met Tech. Sgt. Noel Heyer at a Christmas party when I got here in 2003," said Salomon. "He was excited and talked about getting a McConnell team started."

Heyer, a support section technician assigned to the 931st, said his love of cycling predates his military career.

"I got a bike when I was 4 or 5 years old, and before I even went outside, I took the training wheels off," he said. "I think my parents were surprised, but I rode it that very first day and I've pretty much been riding ever since."

Over the years, Heyer's hobby has led him all over the country. This is his first time to participate in the RAGBRAI.

In addition to individual cycling, the team, which also includes Tech. Sgts. Paul Shattuck, 931st MXS Hydraulics Section Chief and Christopher Peterson, 22nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron KC-135 Instrument and Flight Control Systems specialist, the team performs a long distance training ride each Saturday leading up to the event in July.

"We average 30 miles per day for a daily ride," said Salomon. "You have to average 100 to 175 miles per week so when you get to the RAGBRAI and you're doing 500 miles across Iowa over seven continuous days, it won't be an issue because your body will be conditioned."

The mileage and challenge of finishing the race is part of what drew in Shattuck, who has been cycling since the early 1980s.

"The biggest challenge for me will be the 100-mile day," he said. "I'm looking forward to the challenge."

The logistics of the actual event are also important to consider, said Salomon.

"A lot of people think, 'Oh, we'll stay in a hotel.' That's not how it is," he said. "You are going to break down your own camp and set it up, while also prepping for your daily ride."

The team is also 100 percent responsible for providing their uniforms, entry fees, food, equipment, and transportation.

Despite the physical demands and the fees associated with the competition, the team is more focused on the actual experience.

"I'm excited," said Heyer. "I'm proud to wear the uniform as it is, but to be able to wear the AF bicycling kit, I'm very excited and just very proud to do it."

The chance to showcase the Air Force's wingman culture also motivates the team.

"That's what we are all about when we are out there; helping people and showing people that the Air Force is really a bunch of great people," said Salomon. "I look forward to the camaraderie and being around the AF cycling team members from other bases, as well as interacting with all the people out there."

The RAGBRAI begins July 21, 2013, in Des Moines, Iowa. Since its inception in 1973, more than 275,650 cyclists have participated in the event.

Scholarships for the Military Dependent

Going to a civilian college prep workshop can be disheartening for military parents who seek to further the dependent child's education. Information provided at these meetings can be aimed at less mobile families. The military parent may think that a scholarship for their dependent is beyond their reach. It is not that the scholarships do not exist. The presenter may not be aware of the grant and loan opportunities available to military children.

All branches of service offer dependent scholarships and educational loan opportunities specific to military service. Qualifications for these opportunities include military support organizations like the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society and Air Force Aid Society. Some, such as the Scholarship for Air Force Enlisted Member's Dependent Children requires academic achievement, community service, character and writing ability. For children whose parents have made the ultimate sacrifice, each branch offers a scholarship. In addition to these military scholarships, many states offer financial aid and grant programs specific to the military dependent.

Information Shortfall
Civilian school counselors may not have knowledge of the many financial aid venues that are only available to military personnel. Locating these, loans, grants and scholarships can be a dizzying experience. There is help available. Every base has an educational counselor who is an expert at locating financial assistance for the college bound dependent. Like the civilian counterpart, this counselor will know about financial aid available to all students. Unlike the civilian counterpart, they will also be an expert on the available financial opportunities open only to military dependents.

Military Friendly College
Another solid source of information is the financial aid office of a military friendly college. To facilitate the overseas and deployed student, these colleges offer online programs. By selecting a college that understands the military environment, the dependent child can start their education while still living abroad.

Get An Early Start
The best method for obtaining financial assistance through grants, loans and scholarships for military dependents is to start early. Talk to the base educational counselor before the child enters high school to begin work toward these opportunities. This is also a good time to identify colleges that will support the distance learner. The educational counselor working with military friendly colleges can help create a plan of attack that will result in a college degree for the military dependent.

Command group for national airborne fire fighting system activates

by Lt. Col. Robert Carver
Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs

6/14/2013 - BOISE, Idaho -- The national command headquarters for military air tanker aircraft assigned to fight wild land forest fires activated at the National Interagency Fire Center here June 13.

"Our first priority is protecting the lives and property of Americans threatened by wild land forest fires," said Air Force Col. Charles Davis, North Carolina Air National Guard, commander of the Air Expeditionary Group, which oversees the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System mission. "Our team is utilized across local, state and federal agency boundaries. It's a real-time interagency mission."

MAFFS activated June 11 to assist in fighting forest fires in Southern Colorado after the U.S. Forest Service sent a request for assistance to the Department of Defense. The U.S. Air Force Reserve's 302nd Airlift Wing, based at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., responded immediately.

MAFFS is a self-contained aerial firefighting system owned by the USFS. MAFFS modules are loaded into the cargo bays of military C-130 aircraft. Led by small USFS planes, military aircrews can discharge 3,000 gallons of water or fire retardant from the MAFFS modules along the leading edge of a forest fire in less than five seconds covering an area a quarter of a mile long by 100 feet wide. Once the load is discharged, ground crews at a MAFFS tanker base can refill the modules in less than 12 minutes.

A joint DOD and USFS program, MAFFS provides aerial firefighting resources when commercial and private air tankers are no longer able to meet the needs of the Forest Service.

Four C-130 units perform the MAFFS mission, each providing two MAFFS-capable aircraft and the air and ground crews needed to operate them. They are the 145th Airlift Wing, North Carolina Air National Guard; 146th Airlift Wing, California Air National Guard; 153rd Airlift Wing, Wyoming Air National Guard; and the 302nd in Colorado.

The AEG is staffed by Airmen from all four units. The units trade off AEG command responsibility each year. Davis, a North Carolina National Guard officer, is a command pilot who is also trained as a dual-status commander, a designation that allows him to direct National Guard, Reserve and active-duty military forces if that becomes necessary.

Since June 11, MAFFS aircraft have flown 19 missions and made 14 drops over Colorado's Black Forest fire. Airmen have dropped more than 37,500 gallons of retardant thus far.

Zombie attack boosts squadron morale

by Airman 1st Class Brittany A. Chase
366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

6/17/2013 - MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- A peaceful summer day ended abruptly for members of the 366th Logistic Readiness Squadron June 5, 2013, when their compound went under lockdown due to zombies in the area.

The 'Humans versus Zombies' invasion was the first event kicking off the squadron's 101 Critical Days of Summer Olympics.

"This is a unique opportunity to team-build within the unit while at the same time reinforcing the important concepts of resiliency and wingman culture," said Lt. Col. Todd Jensen, 366th LRS commander. "We have a large organization of truly great people and this is an excellent chance for us to break away from occupational specialties in order to foster broader interaction."

The Olympics is a morale booster for Airman rewarding them for the work they do during the day-to-day mission.

"We did a unit climate assessment and one of the things the members identified was that we don't do a lot of squadron activities," said 1st Lt. Todd Gamiles, 366th LRS deployment distribution flight commander. "We were really looking for a fun and constructive way to respond to the feedback we received while also building an overall LRS team concept."

After much discussion, the LRS team decided to hold a series of events broken down into eight weeks ranging from physical to mental team-building tasks.

"Humans versus Zombies was the first event and we battled with Nerf guns," said Tech. Sgt. Miriam Pestilos, noncommissioned officer-in-charge of vehicle management and analysis. "Some upcoming events will be water balloon fights, obstacle courses and many others incorporating not only physical but also mental challenges.

"I think this kind of an esprit-de-corps building competition is very important and it says a lot about our commander and senior leadership for noticing how hard we've been working to accomplish the mission," she continued. "Now it's time to let some steam out and reward the people who have been working so hard with something fun to do."

So far, seven LRS teams have signed up to participate in the future challenges, all battling to obtain the ultimate prize, a trophy donated by Gamiles and of course bragging rights.

Face of Defense: Soldier Shares Perspective on Humanitarian Aid

By Army Sgt. Richard Frost
U.S. Army South

SONSONATE, El Salvador, June 17, 2013 – A water purification engineer participating in a humanitarian mission here has witnessed firsthand the effects that humanitarian missions can have on a country, including his own, and he is determined to share his experience with the world.

Army Sgt. Francis Buor, a Wisconsin National Guard water purification engineer, monitors pressures on a filter system June 13, 2013, during Beyond the Horizon-El Salvador 2013, a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored, Army South-led, joint foreign military interaction and humanitarian exercise. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Richard Frost   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

Army Sgt. Francis Buor is originally from Liberia. Assigned to the 753rd Quartermaster Company, Green Bay, Wis., he is participating in Beyond the Horizon-El Salvador, a humanitarian mission in which U.S. service members, along with soldiers from Canada, Chile, Colombia and El Salvador, are providing medical expertise and building schools to improve lives of residents here.

Buor’s perspective is giving him the opportunity to help bring peace and stability to regions that need these attributes, he said.

“This is my first opportunity to deploy with the Army,” he said. “I’m really excited about it. When I was in the schools here, I couldn’t help but think, ‘Is someone great going to come out of one of these schools?’ It’s inspiring to be doing this work.”

Buor’s parents are both from Ghana, but they moved with their family to Liberia to provide a better life for their children. He returned to Ghana to attend school there, and not long after, a civil war broke out in Liberia that would last for many years.

A multinational Western African armed force called the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group soon began providing transportation for those wishing to leave Liberia, including most of his family, back to Ghana, he said. This intervention made a significant impact on his family, he added, and motivated him to begin a life of service that continues to this day.

In the early 1990s, Buor sought employment at a water treatment facility in Ghana, where he worked as a treatment specialist and provided drinking water to several communities. The work was fulfilling, he said, but in 2009, he decided to seek a new life in the United States, serving with what he calls “the greatest Army in the world.”

Buor earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology in Ghana and moved to Wisconsin, where he joined the Army. His history with water treatment and sociology directed him to the Wisconsin National Guard’s 753rd Quartermaster Battalion, where he has been able to exercise his skills to help others, he said.

“Everything I’ve done before, I’ve had the chance to practice it here,” Buor said. “It gives me a se
nse of accomplishment. I’m putting to use something I’ve learned before.”

His unit’s participation in this humanitarian mission is his first chance to leave the United States as a Guardsman. Contributing to this effort allows him to provide services he has been practicing his entire life, he said.

“My motivation was from seeing what goes on around the world,” he added. “Sometimes you ask yourself, ‘If we don’t do what we’re doing, what would the life of these people be like?’ So you want to look at the greater picture.”

His unit’s contributions here have made about 6,000 gallons of potable water per day available for the local people.

“I’m kind of excited,” Buor said. “We’re doing something meaningful. But the reward comes when you see the children’s smiles, and how much they appreciate what we’re doing here. It comes from making these children happy.”

Aboard the AC-130 Spectre Gunship

The June 20, 2013, episode of American Heroes Radio features a conversation with Master Sergeant David M. Burns, USAF (ret.), the author of Spectre Gunner: The AC-130 Gunship.

Program Date: June 20, 2013

Program Time: 1500 hours, PACIFIC

Topic: Aboard the AC-130 Spectre Gunship

Listen Live: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/lawenforcement/2013/06/20/aboard-the-ac-130-spectre-gunship

About the Guest

Master Sergeant David M. Burns, USAF (ret.), “joined the US Navy at the age of 15 in 1951 during the Korean War. He retired in 1978 as a master sergeant after a distinguished career in both the Navy and Air Force. He flew 287 combat missions in Vietnam during his four tours in the 16th Special Operations Squadron (Spectre) as an aerial gunner. Burns is a highly decorated veteran who was wounded in action twice and awarded several military distinctions, including three Distinguished Flying Crosses, 27 Air Medals, a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, Air Force Combat Action Medal and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. He now lives in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand, with his wife and three children.”  Master Sergeant David M. Burns is the author of Spectre Gunner: The AC-130 Gunship.

According to the book description of Spectre Gunner: The AC-130 Gunship, “This is the true story of Master Sergeant David M. Burns, an aerial gunner assigned to the deadliest squadron in air force history. Aboard the AC-130 Spectre gunship, he flew a total of 287 combat missions over Laos, South Vietnam, and Cambodia, in pursuit of the truck traffic coming down the Ho Chi Minh Trail. His squadron destroyed more than fifteen thousand trucks loaded with war munitions destined for South Vietnam and Cambodia. Despite heavy and constant anti-aircraft and missile fire, the loss of six aircraft and the lives of fifty-two men, the crew never wavered in its dedication to the mission.

                       

Master Sergeant Burns has a distinguished military career that began in 1951 at the age of fifteen. He served one tour of duty in Phan Rang, South Vietnam, in 1967, and four tours of duty in the 16th Special Operations Squadron in Southeast Asia as an aerial gunner, lead gunner, and instructor gunner. He served in both the United States Navy and Air Force, earning three Distinguished Flying Crosses for heroism, twenty-seven Air Medals, as well as a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Vietnam Service Medal with nine battle stars, and other decorations from the Korean War. He was wounded twice and is credited with saving the lives of fourteen crewmembers.”

About the Watering Hole

The Watering Hole is police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life.  Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting.

About the Host

Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years.  He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant.  He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a Criminal Justice Department chair, faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University.  He has experience teaching upper division courses in law enforcement, public policy, law enforcement technology and leadership.  Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One.  He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in law enforcement.

Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole:

Listen from the Archive:

http://www.hitechcj.com/americanheroesradio/ac_130_gunship.html

Program Contact Information

Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA

editor@police-writers.com

909.599.7530

Socom Strives to Boost Operators’ Resilience, Readiness

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

TAMPA, Fla., June 14, 2013 – Maintainers across the military take pride in keeping aircraft, vehicles and weapons systems well-oiled and ready to go whenever the mission calls. A major initiative is underway at U.S. Special Operations Command here to better maintain what Navy Adm. William H. McRaven, the Socom commander, calls the most important system of all: the operator.

An Air Force special operations pararescueman gets hoisted off a ship by Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Kurt Leisenring during the Emerald Warrior 2013 exercise off Florida’s Gulf Coast, April 24, 2013. U.S. Special Operations Command’s Preservation of the Force and Family Task Force is implementing a holistic program to promote operators’ physical, psychological, spiritual and social performance to support mission readiness. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Quinton Russ   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

“Humans are more important than hardware” is the first of the “truths” McRaven espouses for the nation’s special operations forces. This fundamental recognizes that what makes the “tip of the spear” so sharp is the education, rigorous training and experience of the operators themselves.

But shortly after arriving at his headquarters in 2011, McRaven received sobering confirmation that the special operations community was in trouble. An extensive study directed by the previous commander, Navy Adm. Eric T. Olson, found “the SOF force as a whole was frayed,” McRaven told a forum of defense industry representatives and special operators who gathered here last month.

The study revealed that the current operational environment has been more difficult than operators and their families expected, leaving little time for them to adjust to the daily strains of perpetual absences. The study noted troubling consequences, with increases in domestic and family problems, substance abuse and self-medication, risk-taking behaviors, post-traumatic stress, and even suicides.

With continued high operational demands, the fraying continues, McRaven lamented. “I would say, in the last 20 months, the force is fraying at a rate I am not comfortable with at all,” he said at the SOF Industry Conference.

So as McRaven implements his Special Operations Forces 2020 vision to posture Socom for the future, he has made “preservation of the force and family” one of the key pillars.

“That is my No. 1 mission,” he told the forum. “It is a moral imperative that we do all that we can to preserve the force and care for their families.”

While seeking ways to increase predictability in special operations forces’ schedules, McRaven has charged what he renamed the “Preservation of the Force and Family Task Force” to come up with innovative, holistic approaches to deal with the pressure on the special operations community.

The task force is working to build performance across four interconnecting domains: human, psychological, spiritual and social, explained Navy Capt. Thomas Chaby, the task force chief.

The idea is not to duplicate programs already being provided through Defense Department and military services, he emphasized. Rather, it builds on them, filling in gaps and increasing accessibility for operators and their families.

“If there was one word you would say the [task force] is all about, it is readiness,” Chaby said. “It is all about being ready for our battlefield requirements, and taking care of our people helps them be as ready as possible.”

Building resilience in the force helps to set operators up for success, Chaby said, adding, “It’s all about building their capacity. It is readiness, readiness, readiness.”

Yet the special operations community didn’t always recognize that. Chaby remembered his first visit to SEAL Team 3’s fitness center in 1990 after graduating from basic underwater demolition/SEAL training. Despite requirements to work in challenging and often unforgiving environments, the SEALs had limited fitness equipment and were basically on their own to figure out the best way to physically train for it.

As a result, many SEALs were injured during missions or while training for them. Chaby has had eight operations since becoming a SEAL, and considers himself fairly representative of his contemporaries.
“Is that the best way to prepare the primary weapon system? Probably not,” he said. “There was no thought, science or planning put into [physical training]. The [Preservation of the Force and Family Task Force] is changing that.”

Today, Socom has a human performance program designed to meet special operations forces’ unique physical needs. It includes training that aims to prevent physical injuries through strength and conditioning, nutrition and physical therapy.

The program also looks at other ways to maintain the body: teaching operators how to mitigate the effects of operational demands through everything from hydration to psychological and social support.

“Putting some thought into it, applying some science, and backing it up with resources is just common sense,” Chaby said. “This is a small investment that I believe will reap itself two-, three-, four-, who-knows-how-many-fold benefits.”

While paying more attention to operators’ bodies, the task force is committed to boosting their psychological strength and resilience, too.

Chaby noted the mental and emotional strain of more than a decade of continuous operations, and the need to do everything possible to mitigate the stressors. So in addition to helping operators develop positive ways to cope, Socom has joined the rest of the military in working to take the stigma out of seeking help.

Gone are the days when operators had to fear getting flagged or having their security clearance revoked if they sought out psychological help.

“It is not like that any more. Now, it’s not help against you if you go seek help, and leadership is setting the example,” Chaby said. “It’s not a negative any more, like it used to be.”

Ready access to mental health experts is particularly important in light of Socom’s consistently high operating tempos, he noted. “We are so dynamic in our deployment cycles and our work-up cycles that by the time [a scheduled] appointment comes up, you could well find yourself back on the battlefield or training somewhere else and have to cancel it,” he said.

So to make services more available and to encourage operators to take advantage of them, the command has started embedding mental health professionals attuned to the needs of the special operations community directly into its units. “The idea is, ‘Let’s give [the operator] somebody he trusts and feels he can talk to, and let’s give him for better accessibility,’” Chaby said.

And to ease operator’s transition from the battlefield to their homes and families, Socom now typically sends them to alternate sites so they can talk to a chaplain or psychologist and “decompress” before returning home.

Meanwhile, the Preservation of the Force and Family Task Force is helping operators get in touch with their spiritual sides as well.

Chaby emphasized that what Socom calls “spiritual performance” isn’t necessarily about religion. “It could be for some, but that’s not what it is about,” he said. “It is about spirituality,” which he defined as core spiritual beliefs, values, awareness, relationships and experiences.

These elements affect how operators live, the choices and decisions they make, the quality of their relationships and their overall ability to find meaning in life, Chaby said. All ultimately affect their mission performance and their ability to deal with the challenges of serving in special operations.

So the task force has turned to chaplains and the wealth of programs they lead or support to help special operations forces members address their spiritual needs. This, Chaby said, helps to round out a holistic program while directly supporting initiatives to build physical and psychological resilience.

Meanwhile, the task force is exploring ways to boost operators’ “social performance” -- the ability to establish and maintain healthy, meaningful relationships, particularly within their families.

The typical special operator is 29 years old for enlisted members and 34 for officers, and is married with two children. Chaby remembered the days not so long ago when Socom gave little thought to family needs. “The mentality was obvious: ‘If it’s not in your sea bag, it’s not our responsibility,’” he said.

That’s changed 180 degrees, he reported. Socom now understands that family members have a big say in whether a highly trained, experienced operator will remain in the military. But even more importantly, command leaders recognize that problems at home can distract operators, potentially putting them and their buddies at increased risk and directly affecting the mission.

As a result, the Preservation of the Force and Family Task Force has made a concerted effort to help build “social performance” within special operations forces families. The goal, Chaby said, is to strengthen communication skills and overall resiliency to better deal with the challenges of multiple, extended separations, many that involve sensitive, high-risk and secretive missions.

“We are looking for opportunities to bring families into the equation, because we have found that the more you do that, the stronger they become,” Chaby said. “This is empowering them to be part of the team, which in turn increases and improves the readiness of that soldier, sailor, airman or Marine.”

Adding up these elements -- improving operators’ physical, psychological, spiritual and social performance -- can only result in a better force, Chaby said.

“If each element gives a 1 percent advantage, you end up with a 4 or 5 or 10 percent better operator, capacity-wise, resiliency-wise, readiness-wise” he said. “You start adding these things together, and it makes such a difference.”

It all comes back, he said, to the special operations forces truism that people -- operators who are ready to be effective and respond to the demands of the job -- are more important than hardware.

“If you take care of your people, that is the foundation of everything we do. Without them, the hardware doesn’t matter and we are going to have mission failure,” he said. “You have to have your people ready to go, for whatever the battlefield calls for.”

Commando Hall of Honor welcomes loadmaster

by Staff Sgt. Melanie Holochwost
Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs

6/10/2013 - HURLBURT FIELD, Fla.  -- A former Air Force Special Operations Command loadmaster was recently recognized for more than 25 years of service with the special operations community by induction into the Commando Hall of Honor.

Retired Chief Master Sgt. Gordon Scott was inducted into the United States Special Operations Command Hall of Honor during the 2013 Special Operations Forces Industry Conference gala dinner in Tampa, Fla.

The Commando Hall of Honor recognizes the accomplishments of those who have made unique and prestigious contributions to the special operations community.

"This is one of the greatest honors I've received," Scott said. "I'm very humbled by the fact that my name is on a wall with so many warriors who have given so much to make special operations and AFSOC what it is today."

Scott was inducted to the Commando Hall of Honor for having a heavy hand in developing the tactics, techniques, and procedures used by special operations aviators today, according to Chief Master Sgt. Gregg Jones, 1st Expeditionary Special Operations Wing command chief, who nominated him for this honor.

As an NCO, Scott was involved in combat operations in Grenada, Bolivia, Honduras, Kuwait and Iraq.

During Desert Storm, he flew more than 40 combat sorties, including the airdrop of three BLU-82s (15,000-pound bombs) and more than 10 million leaflets leading to the mass defection of enemy troops and an unprecedented quick coalition victory, Jones said.

As a senior NCO, Scott flew combat missions in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Bosnia, Kosovo, Republic of Congo and Afghanistan.

"During Enduring Freedom, he flew eight pivotal missions, delivering time-critical resources to Operation Detachment Alpha Teams, which were operating deep inside Afghanistan," Jones said.

What's more, Scott and the crew of "Whisk 05" were awarded the 1997 MacKay Trophy for a mission into the Republic of Congo. This trophy, which is kept on display in the Smithsonian, is awarded for the most meritorious U.S. Air Force flight of the year.

Although Scott retired from active duty in 2005, he has continued to work in support of special operations.

"I've been hooked since 1987, and I still believe in the special operations mission," Scott said. "After 18 years with AFSOC, it was a logical transition to continue my involvement."

Following his retirement from active duty, Scott spent more than five years as the course director for the Special Operations Combating Terrorism Course at the Joint Special Operations University, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. In this capacity, he was responsible for educating more than 400 international officers from 80 different countries.

Now, he is working as a curriculum developer for NATO Special Operation Forces, and he said he plans to stay as long as possible.

"I've been so fortunate to have worked with the best aircrews, maintainers, operators, loggies, and all of the other agencies that were critical to successful mission execution," he said. "Every day I think about all the great commanders, chiefs, supervisors, Airmen, warriors in harm's way, and warriors we've lost. This honor is theirs and I'm grateful to have been a part of

Grand Forks AFB Fire and Emergency Services Airmen burning up the awards

by Airman 1st Class Ashley Taylor
319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

6/13/2013 - GRAND FORKS AFB, N.D. -- Two Warriors of the North were recently recognized for being outstanding firefighters.

Master Sgt. Jason Barnard, deputy fire chief, and Tech. Sgt. Byron Ball, assistant fire chief, earned the honors.

John Hamilton, Veterans of Foreign Wars National commander, presented Barnard with the VFW's National Firefighter of the Year Award during a June 1 ceremony at the Hilton Garden Inn in the city of Grand Forks.

"I was extremely surprised upon winning this award," Barnard said. "There are so many firefighters across the country doing so many great things every day. I didn't think I even had a shot at being selected."

He has proven to be more than qualified for winning this award, shining overseas as well as at home station.

While deployed, Barnard led Air Forces Central Command's busiest fire department, managing three stations and 55 personnel from 12 different bases.

He actively volunteered with the Wounded Warrior Project and coordinated the help of 17 other firefighters, giving a total of 87 hours.

Barnard also completed his Senior Noncommissioned Officer Professional Military Education, along with the Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency's Emergency Management/Anti-Terrorism Program.

"It's a very humbling experience to receive this award, and I'm proud to accept it on behalf of all the firefighters that I have worked with," said Barnard. "Without the entire fire department working together this would not be possible."

Fellow firefighter Tech. Sgt. Ball was nominated for his award by the Grand Forks American Legion Post 6. It was during the Winter Conference in Minot earlier this year that the department executive committee selected Ball as the award winner.

"We recognized Ball's service to our nation and community," said Robert Greene, post commander. "This is what made him stand out the most."

Department commander David Rice will present the North Dakota American Legion Fire Fighter of the Year Award to Ball on June 7 at a convention in West Fargo.

During the past year, Ball has been very active at the command level, in the community and in his personal development.

He served as the assistant fire chief, managing 16 personnel, responded to multiple medical emergency calls, and established a triage site treating 10 Airmen for heat exhaustion.

He was named the flight non-commissioned officer of the quarter for the first quarter of 2012, and top NCO for the 319th Air Base Wing. But that doesn't mean he wasn't surprised to have received this award.

"There are so many firefighters in this state that do outstanding work," said Ball. "So for me to be recognized by the American Legion and represent our brotherhood is a true honor."

Ball has also completed 24 credit hours toward his bachelor's degree, finished courses offered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and attended a Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad training on hazardous materials spills.

Ball said he is most proud of helping the United Way with the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program.

"Knowing that we helped gather 2,300 toys for 647 children to enjoy Christmas last year is priceless," Ball said.

As former president of Grand Forks AFB Network 5/6, Ball coordinated 70 events, providing 1,086 hours of community service, and earning them the prestigious Presidential Volunteer Service Award.

Ball will now compete at the American Legion's national level.

PACANGEL 13-3 renovates community, enriches lives in Vietnam

by Staff Sgt. Sara Csurilla
PACANGEL 13-3 Public Affairs

6/14/2013 - DONG HOI, Vietnam  -- Eighteen U.S. military members partnered with ten military members from the Vietnam People's Army to help repair buildings in Dong Hoi, Quang Binh Province, Vietnam, from June 10 through 15.

The renovation projects were part of the Engineering Civil Action Program with Operation Pacific Angel 13-3.

PACANGEL 13-3 is a joint and combined operation held in various countries several times a year and includes medical, dental, optometry, engineering programs, along with SMEEs. More than 50 U.S. military members deployed to Vietnam for PACANGEL 13-3 to partner with local non-governmental organizations and host-nation military forces.

The 28-man team worked unwaveringly throughout the operation to renovate two schools and rebuild one medical facility.

First Lt. Jose Vallejo, PACANGEL 13-3 lead engineer planner from the 673rd Civil Engineer Group out of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, said they were nearly finished with the medical facility by completing projects that will not only improve the overall sanitation, but elevate their quality of life.

"Our team revamped the entire building both inside and out, from installing a new roof, drop ceiling and windows," said Vallejo. "With our combined efforts we were able to build a medical waste incinerator from scratch to eliminate the spread of pathogens, build two new bathrooms that never existed before, install a whole new septic system, set up a new sink with running water in the delivery room and even Install two air conditioning units."

With one team made of two completely different cultures, it was obvious from the start that not only did they speak different languages, they even had a different way of doing their jobs.

"The language difference definitely made some of the communication difficult at times, but we were able to come up with a system where we could understand each other," Vallejo said. "Even with the language barrier their knowledge was priceless and there's no way we would have been able to complete these projects without them."

Reserve CES repairs World War II era airfield

by Capt. Ashley Conner
477th Fighter Group Public Affairs

6/13/2013 - CLARKSDALE, Miss.  -- More than 50 Reservists from the 477th Civil Engineer Squadron completed repair work on a World War II era airfield during their annual tour May 27 - June 8.

Fletcher Field in Clarksdale, Miss. was opened July 5, 1942. It was used by the United States Army Air Forces as a contract basic flying training airfield. It was operated by the 2154th Air Base Unit, Contract Elementary Flying School, Clarksdale School of Aviation. Students were trained on the Fairchild PT-23 and the Boeing-Stearman PT-17 trainers. When the last class graduated Oct. 14, 1944 the airfield was turned over to civil authorities. Since 1944 Fletcher Field has been used as the Clarksdale Municipal Airport.

Every year the members of the 477th CES use their annual tour to support an Innovative Readiness Training project. Last year they rebuilt a tornado-ravaged school in Tennessee while this year's IRT provided an opportunity to give back to the city of Clarksdale while also training together as a unit.

"The purpose of the IRT is to improve military readiness while simultaneously providing quality services to communities throughout America," said Lt. Col. Michael Forcht, 477th CES commander. "These programs are in keeping with a long military tradition, leveraging training to benefit both units and their home communities. They are strongly supported by the Department of Defense, Congress, the states and communities."

During the IRT the 477th CES was responsible for building a flight business office and a 10-bay aircraft hangar. While severe thunderstorms in the area delayed the project, causing standing water conditions at the hangar site the 477th CES along with Reservists from Civil Engineer Squadrons from Tinker AFB and Maxwell AFB were successful in completing their portion of the project. The entire projected is expected to be completed in August 2013.

"IRT provides hands on AFSC-specific training for unit members," said Forcht. "It allows members to get training requirements signed off and to obtain contingency vehicle licenses while also increasing camaraderie within our unit."

The reel standard: Base maintainer master of two lines

by Staff Sgt. Russ Scalf
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

6/13/2013 - LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- A ripple on the water breaks the calm of a serene mountain morning. For a brief moment life seems to stop and take notice as man and nature acknowledge the other's presence on the line.

Master Sgt. Jeff Wade, 19th Maintenance Group quality assurance chief inspector, is in his element. A standout on the Toyota Bassmaster Weekend Series, operated by American Bass Anglers, he carefully manages the responsibilities of being a sportsman, family man and Airman.

For Wade, professional fishing has been a lifelong pursuit. It has often mirrored the challenges and rewards of his military career. While his passion for fishing may have always taken a backseat to being a professional Airman, don't let that fool you: he is a champion in both communities.

"My first memories of fishing are in Spokane, Wash., fishing with my dad and brother," said Wade. "My dad wasn't a big angler. He talked to his buddies at work, and they told us what to do to catch some of the trout up there. We failed, but we did catch a bunch of sucker fish and it was fun, and that's kind of where we got hooked. I think we caught about 30, and we kept every one of them."

Wade first began to consider fishing as something more serious than a hobby during adolescence. He reminisced seeing professionals on television and thinking it could be a possible career path for him.

"Growing up I was watching the pros on TV thinking, I can do that," said Wade. "I've had the desire for as long as I can remember. When I came into the military I was stationed in Georgia, where there were real bass compared to Spokane, and I really cut my teeth there, back in '95-'96. That's when fishing became something more serious than a hobby."

In 1998 he made the leap from fisherman to competitor. His journey began in the back of the boat, fishing as a co-angler in small bass club tournaments. At this level, a big win mostly meant trophies and bragging rights. It was far from the bright lights and big paydays of ESPN and the Bassmasters, but it represented the first step of a long journey.

"Back then it was a lot of getting my tail kicked and learning," he said. "I was pretty thick headed, and you get out on the lake and you have to learn the ropes from these other guys. Some people didn't really want to show you anything, so a lot of it I had to learn on my own."

Throughout this learning period Wade was also acquiring an education in aircraft maintenance. He was assigned to Robins Air Force Base, Ga., as a hydraulic technician, and eventually moved up to the quality assurance office.

"I wasn't exactly mechanically inclined; I guess you can say I learned by fear," said Wade. "I just kept trying to progress. I was (Senior Airman) below the zone, and I was put up for a few quarterly awards. When a job came open in quality assurance, I decided to apply for it."

Characteristically modest, he grudgingly conceded typically the most qualified candidates are selected for the interview process. Wade would spend the next seven years honing his evaluation skills on the flightline, while beginning to excel in the boat.

In 2006 Wade had become exceedingly successful as a co-angler, winning tournaments from the back of the boat. He then took the next step toward achieving his dreams, buying a boat of his own and entering tournaments in the angler division.

"It was a real challenge moving to the front of the boat," said Wade. "As a co-angler you're depending on your boater to get you where you need to be. Now it's all on you. You have no one to blame if you don't catch a fish but yourself; the pressure was on."

Just as he was beginning to reel in his responsibilities as an angler, the military moved Wade's unit, the 19th Air Refueling Group, to Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. Now a Tech. Sgt., Wade was given second pick of open positions within his career field. Arkansas seemed like a logical choice to continue growing his skills in and out of uniform.

"Fishing played a huge role in where my family and I chose to go," said Wade. "Because of the base realignment and my rank, I had the unique opportunity to choose where I went next. I definitely wanted to stay in the south and keep progressing in fishing. I'm really fortunate that my wife is so supportive of both of my careers. We have two great kids and we're always busy, but I definitely couldn't do any of it without her."

The balance between family, work and fishing has been challenging at times for the Wade family. But it's one that's made easier with support of his wife, Stephanie. Through the ups and downs of his fishing career, she has been there to anchor the family.

"It's a team thing," said Stephanie. "We work together as a family or it doesn't go. Our son, Masen, plays baseball and our daughter, Abi, is in competitive cheerleading, we have to work to balance it all out. There have been times we have talked about stopping (fishing). He is gone a lot of weekends, but there are also a lot that he won't fish.

Sometimes he will practice early in the week just to be able to take the kids where they need to be. There are always going to be ups and downs, but as long as he's having fun we'll go as far as he wants to take it. I get just as excited for him at weigh-ins as he does. I enjoy it, it's almost like he's one of the kids. I get excited when he does well, and nervous when he doesn't."

In 2008, after spending the first 13 years of his career in one location working on KC-135 Stratotankers, Wade found himself in unfamiliar waters at Little Rock Air Force Base. He was inserted as the lead hydraulic technician, but would quickly rise through the ranks again. Within a year he would become the section chief of the legacy C-130 aircraft maintenance unit, and within the next year the production office superintendent. During this time frame Wade would also complete tours of duty in Iraq and Kuwait. Time for fishing had become scarce, but he did not give up on his dreams.

"During my first few years at Little Rock I just didn't do a lot of fishing," said Wade. "I would try to get on the water when I could, but my priority was focusing on my career and the needs of the Air Force."

In 2012, all of the focus began to pay off. Wade interviewed to become the 19th Maintenance Group chief inspector. His hiring affirmed the commitment he made to become a leader in his career field. It also provided him an opportunity to begin selecting and mentoring his own inspectors, who would take his place assuring quality and safety on the flightline. The year was capped off by his selection as the senior non-commissioned officer maintenance professional of the year.

Last year also proved to be an exceptional year on the water. Wade entered the Bassmaster Weekend Series, Arkansas division, and began stringing together consistent performances. By season's end, he had compiled enough points to be named Arkansas Angler of the Year, and earned his first trip to the national tournament. A win would see him achieve his lifelong dream of fishing in the Bassmaster Classic, the sport's equivalent to the Super Bowl, which boasts a $500,000 first place prize.

In November on Sam Rayburn Reservoir, in Lufkin, Texas, Wade set out with nothing to lose. Virtually an unknown, he fished his way to fourth place going into the final day of the tournament. The win was within striking distance, but this would not be the day he realized his dream. His four-day total of 50 pounds of bass was enough to best 190 competitors for a seventh place finish.

As close as he came, Wade has not let the disappointment of that final day deter him. He is currently in third place in the 2013 standings in defense of his title.

"I got the money in my head the last day," said Wade. "I stopped fishing the way that was working for me, and I choked. For me, it makes me want to drive that much harder to never have that feeling again. Inside it burned; it was a horrible, horrible feeling."

For Wade the future will continue to be a balance of responsibility and opportunity. The same characteristics that have made him a remarkable Airman have been the same ones that have made him an exceptional angler.

"Whatever I do next, I'll continue to apply the lessons I've learned from fishing and the Air Force," said Wade. "I'd love to fish in the Bassmaster Classic. It would be great if they had a military qualifier. But regardless, I'll continue to use the discipline I've learned in the military to stay with things, like say a strategy on the lake. And I'll use the patience I've learned from fishing, and apply it to my career and just try to continue to improve myself."