SecAF pays first visit to Ellsworth

by Senior Airman Hailey Staker
28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

7/22/2015 - ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James visited Ellsworth for the first time July 19 to 21, interacting with the men and women who make the 28th Bomb Wing a success.

During her trip, she explored several historic sites in the Black Hills, and toured various units across base, experiencing Ellsworth's mission and community firsthand.

"It is an enormous honor and privilege for me to be able to stand before you, and it is something I take very seriously when I get out and about around the country and the world to see our Air Force in action," James said.

While at Ellsworth she was able to fly in a B-1 bomber, where she observed one of its primary capabilities - close air support - which aviators from Ellsworth have been employing for nearly a decade in support of combatant commanders.

Highlights of the Secretary's visit included a tour of the 28th Medical Group, where she met with Airmen from many squadrons to receive briefings on programs and innovations, such as Cold Spray technology, a new process for repairing metals that has been utilized in Ellsworth's maintenance group for several years.

She also spent time with the 432nd Attack Squadron, and spoke on issues surrounding the remotely piloted aircraft community and how leaders are combating low retention rates and stressors.

James touched on these points and other related Air Force issues while addressing Ellsworth Airmen at an all-call Monday afternoon. She provided an update on Air Force policy changes and outlined her priorities as Secretary of the Air Force, followed by a question and answer session.

"The three top priorities I am always focused on are taking care of people, balancing the needs of readiness today with the Air Force of tomorrow, and making every dollar count," James said.

The Secretary was accompanied by her spouse, Frank Beatty, who spent part of his time learning about the support the 28th BW provides to its Airmen and families. He met with Youth Center staff to discuss child care programs, visited the Airmen's Ministry Center known as Higher Grounds, and toured the Bone Yard thrift store.

James thanked Ellsworth's Airmen for their contribution to the Air Force.

"What I ask of all of you is please continue to do what you do best," James said. "You are making a difference in a troubled world. Please continue to focus on the mission, focus on each other and focus on family."

Base B-1 to cap off veteran's ceremony in sturgis Aug. 4

28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs Division

7/15/2015 - ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- A base B-1 bomber will fly over Main Street in Sturgis, S.D., at 3 p.m., Aug. 4 as part of the 15th Annual Veterans Recognition Ceremony.

The flyover will cap off an event formally recognizing four South Dakota veterans - one each from World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War and Gulf War - and their families for their service.

"The B-1 flyover is one of the iconic moments during the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally," said Brenda Vasknetz, City of Sturgis Rally and Events Department director. "While the flyover is one part of our annual Military Appreciation Day, it is the highlight of the week for many riders. It is not just 'any' flyover - it is part of a series of events orchestrated to commemorate, recognize and show our appreciation for our military, veterans and their families."

One of the veterans to be recognized is retired Lt. Col. George Swan, a former B-1 weapon system officer who served 21 years and accrued 3,200 flying hours, including 400 combat hours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The three other veterans to be honored include former U.S. Army Pfc. Paul Priest, 9th Armored Division, who served at the battle for the Ludendorff Railway Bridge at Remagen over the Rhine River, retired Lt. Col. Jerry Teachout, a pilot who served in all four wars during his 28-year career, and retired Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Birnbaum, a combat veteran who served in Vietnam and then joined the South Dakota Army National Guard, becoming the fifth state command sergeant major of the SDNG.

Vasknetz said the B-1 flyover is the culmination of the Minute of Silence on Main Street in Sturgis.

"During this minute, traffic stops, motorcycle engines are shut down, people hug or pat the backs of those who have served, and the crowds are silent," she said. "Main Street is 'frozen' as we reflect on the freedoms that our military and its veterans have protected throughout our nation's history."

Vasknetz added that having the B-1 flying over Main Street during the military appreciation portion of the 75th Sturgis Rally will be a powerful and exciting affirmation of the city's dedication and appreciation for all those who have served and those currently defending the freedoms we all hold dear.

"We could not be more excited," she said.

Volk Field opens its doors to the public

By 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson

Wisconsin National Guard

Approximately 2,500 people took advantage of the opportunity to see current and vintage military aircraft - parked on the runway as well as demonstrating aerial capabilities - at the biennial open house at the Wisconsin Air National Guard's Volk Field Saturday (June 2).

The open house provided the public a first-hand view of what Volk Field Air National Guard Base is all about, according to Maj. Chris Hansen, open house chairman.

"We're located in a small community area, so it is important that they not only know what takes place here, but understand why it is such a great location for military training of various facets," Hansen said.

Col. Gary Ebben, base commander, said the open house was a way for Volk Field to give something back to the community.

"One of our primary goals is to be good community partners and neighbors, leveraging our mutual interests," Ebben said. "The open house allows the community to see the types of capabilities we offer — not only for combat operations, but also for all hazards domestic response."

Ebben said the open house was "a home run."

"This past Saturday was a total success," Hansen agreed. "The weather could not have been better. We had the opportunity to educate many members of the general aviation community on different flying practices, as well as offer a great display of aircraft and other military memorabilia to our visitors."

Nearly 40 general aviation aircraft flew in to experience landing at a military base. Seventeen aircraft were on display, to include a B-1 Lancer from Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, a KC-135 Stratotanker from the Milwaukee-based 128th Air Refueling Wing, an F-16 Falcon from the Madison-based 115th Fighter Wing, and a UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter from the Madison-based 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation Battalion.

An F-86 Sabre, a Korean War-vintage fighter jet that was to be part of the open house's salute to the Korean War, cancelled its appearance due to maintenance issues. The Wisconsin National Guard Museum on post as well as other static displays focused on the Korean War.

The open house featured 22 exhibits, ranging from a vintage military ambulance to a K-9 police dog. The Wisconsin National Guard's 54th Civil Support Team and the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team's Shadow Unmanned Aerial Vehicle were also on hand to explain their missions to the public. L39 Albatros Czechoslovakian trainer jets, stunt planes and a Commemorative Air Force B-25 Mitchell — a World War II-era bomber — took part in flying demonstrations. A "5K on the Runway" run/walk event was also held.

"By all indications, everyone attending had a very enjoyable experience," Ebben said. "However, the success did not happen by chance. Credit goes to a great open house committee chaired by Maj. Chris Hansen. The pride of base personnel in this project was obvious."