"They're long days, they're hard days, but it's really rewarding"

By Spc. J.p. Lawrence
42nd Infantry Division

NEW YORK (Nov. 6, 2012) -- When the National Guard members of Alpha Troop, 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry came to Rockaway, N.Y., their mission was to distribute food and water to New Yorkers recovering from Hurricane Sandy.

Their mission expanded, however, as residents have come up to them with various ways they could help in the community.

"It's things that aren't necessarily in our mandate, but it's things that are helping people get back on their feet," said Capt. Frank Engel, troop commander for the 2-101 Cavalry. "Stuff you would do for regular neighbors, if you lived next door."

The Guard members of the 2-101 Cavalry are part of a force of more than 4,500 service members of New York's volunteer military forces, mobilized by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to help civilian authorities in recovery efforts.

People have asked Engel's Soldiers to do things such as checking up on homes or visiting at-risk individuals. Some of his troops, Engel said, drove to help fill prescriptions for people in the area.

The Guard Soldiers of 2-101 Cavalry, based out of Geneva, N.Y., were able to know of these needs by talking to residents and working extensively through civilian organizations in the area.

"There is a lot of need here," Engel, a Little Falls, N.Y., resident, said. "The tough part is finding a solution to that need and finding the right person to help solve that need."

The unit sought to coordinate with "every contact that we could possibly get," said 1st Sgt. Robert Davis, senior noncommissioned officer of A Troop, 2-101 Cavalry.

"Sooner or later you get a grasp on which ones make a difference, so whenever you need something, you go to those people," said Davis, a Leroy, N.Y., resident.

The 2-101 Cavalry recently found a need while manning a distribution point in Breezy Point. After doing an analysis of the needs of the community, they introduced an active-duty Marine Corps engineering unit to their contacts in Breezy Point.

The Marines, members of the 8th Engineer Support Battalion from Camp Lejeune, N.C., then pumped storm water from homes, roads and public spaces.

These efforts are comforting, said AJ Smith, a community leader and life-long resident of Breezy Point. Deep pools of standing water have sealed off whole sections of the community, cutting access to at-risk homes and making recovery efforts difficult.

"Just the efforts of pumping that street has made our ability to get stuff done a lot quicker," Smith said. "We just need that constant help getting that stuff removed. It's making people feel like life is returning, slowly but surely."

Talking to local residents has also led to improvements in the distribution lines. These lines now offer rubber boats, cleaning supplies, gloves and clothes. Engel said working these lines -- which are staffed by firefighters, police officers, civilian authorities and military members of various branches -- has been a rewarding experience.

"My guys really like working here," Engel said. "They're long days, they're hard days, but it's really rewarding to see the things our guys have done, because it's really amazing."

Couriers Ensure Prompt, Secure Delivery of Classified Materials

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill., Nov. 7, 2012 – A vintage 12-inch action figure now found only on the Internet depicts the stereotypical defense courier, complete with a black brief case, handcuffs, cell phone and secret papers.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Kelly Adler, right, goes over customer service training with Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Evan Seller at the Defense Courier Station at Royal Air Force Station Mildenhall, Great Britain, Feb. 14, 2012. Adler is one of six airmen and Seller one of four sailors assigned to the station, one of 18 operated around the world by U.S. Transportation Command’s Defense Courier Division. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jerilyn Quintanilla   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

Air Force Col. Darryl Stankevitz, chief of U.S. Transportation Command’s Defense Courier Division, quickly dispels the “G.I. Joe Defense Courier” image as he kicks off orientation classes here for service members selected to join the elite corps of defense couriers.

“I tell them, ‘You all thought that when you were coming out here that you would get your own briefcase and set of handcuffs,’” he said. “Well that’s not it. That’s not how we really operate.”

With a heritage dating back to the Military Postal Express Service that moved highly classified and sensitive mail abroad during World War I, the Defense Courier Division remains true to its original mission.

“We move anything that is highly sensitive or classified that our government needs us to move,” Stankevitz said. “It can be anything from an envelope all the way up to large crypto[logical] equipment that’s thousands of pounds.”

One might think the development of the Secret Internet Protocol Router Network, better known as SIPRNet, would make most personal deliveries a thing of the past.

Not so, Stankevitz said. That’s because the vast quantity of highly classified messages, documents and images the Defense Department relies on to conduct its day-to-day business would consume so much computer bandwidth that it would overwhelm the classified network, he said.

“There is still a lot of material that must be physically hand-delivered -- partly to ensure that the SIPRNet can keep going,” Stankevitz explained. “Given how much has to be transmitted, real-time, for different operations and events going on, sometimes there’s more that needs to be moved than you can physically do, electronically.

“And it is actually quicker for us, at times, to move some of that physically with our couriers, because of the volume of what we are carrying,” he added.

In addition, many of the courier deliveries involve equipment used to run the Defense Department’s secure networks and cryptologic operations, he said.

“These are items that have to be kept secure while in transit,” Stankevitz said. “It’s not something that you can put in the mail or hand off to [a commercial parcel service] because there could be a risk of tampering in transit. That’s why we need to send a courier.”

The 235 soldiers, sailors and airmen who make up the Defense Courier Division are assigned to 18 stations around the world that maintain 24/7 operations and several other substations. Collectively, according to John McAllister, deputy director, they move about 1.5 million pounds of material annually -- made up of about 80,000 pieces ranging from envelopes, referred to as “flats,” to giant crates transported using the division’s own vans, trucks and tractor trailers.

Although the “James Bond” mystique may be misleading, the couriers operate according to a strict Transcom instruction designed to protect the classified material they handle, store and transport. Working in two-person teams, they are required to maintain constant physical or visual contact with their shipments. The couriers can’t be out of each other’s sight for more than 15 minutes. And contrary to popular assumption, they carry weapons only when traveling through a combat zone.

Couriers typically fly on military, contract or commercial aircraft. But increasingly, especially for deliveries within the continental United States and Europe, they drive the shipments themselves using the courier division’s own fleet of vans, trucks and tractor trailers, Stankevitz said.

“Even though you may think traveling by air would be faster, sometimes you have to rely on the availability of aircraft and their timing,” he noted. “So sometimes it is actually quicker and more convenient for us to use one of our vehicles and drive it on the road.”

McAllister said he spends much of his time planning out missions in the courier division’s operations center. “What are we carrying? How big is it and where does it need to go?” he said. “Those are really the only questions we need to know. We don’t need to know what’s in the package.”

In fact, couriers never know what they are carrying. “What we do know is that it is all highly sensitive material,” Stankevitz said. “It’s some of the most-sensitive material that our nation has.”

Just as computers have changed the nature of many courier shipments, they have helped make the process faster and more efficient. Introducing technology similar to that used by commercial shipping companies, courier division planners now consolidate shipments whenever possible so they can dispatch a single courier team to make deliveries to a single destination.

“Ten years ago, every station was independent,” McAllister said. “But over the years, there has been greater and greater visibility through a centralized command center. We set up a network and started to merge requirements.”

Planners now collaborate with the State Department’s Diplomatic Courier Service, particularly when servicing countries where the U.S. military has no status of forces agreement, McAllister said.
“It all comes down to, what needs to move and who is in the best position to move it, through the interagency,” he added. “So we do a lot of cooperation through the interagency to make the most-efficient move possible.”

These and other efficiencies have made a big impact in the courier division’s bottom line, Stankevitz said, eliminating duplication and reducing costs. Adopting a new air transportation system saved the division $1 million a year, he noted, while having couriers hitch rides on other Transcom air missions eliminated the need for a $4.3 million air carrier and air taxi service contract.

“We’ve become much more efficient in the way we do business,” Stankevitz said. “Our operating cost, which directly ties to what we charge our customers, has dropped about 40 to 45 percent, because of actions we took.”

As he’s witnessed evolution within the Defense Courier Division, Air Force Master Sgt. Delano Lucas still calls it the best job a service member could ever have.

Like all couriers, he came to the field from another military specialty, in his case, he said, attracted by the “chance to do something different.” He added what’s kept him in the career field has been the opportunity to broaden his military portfolio while working in a joint command.

“When you are progressing through the grades, your potential is based on not only what you have done, but your potential to lead effectively in the next grade,” he said. “And what better way of actually displaying that talent and character trait than by going and executing in something that is outside your normal [career field]?”
Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Moon said he “jumped at the chance” to join the courier division 14 years ago and has never looked back. He currently serves as chief of the Baltimore Station at Fort Meade, Md., the largest of 18 worldwide, where he oversees 35 fellow couriers.

“It’s much better than I could have expected or hoped for,” he said.

McAllister summed up much of the allure. “Traveling the world delivering top-secret material. It is not a bad way to tell your cousins what you do,” he said.

Another big motivator, Lucas said, has been the opportunity to operate almost autonomously with a level of responsibility rarely afforded a mid-level or senior noncommissioned officer.

“[Couriers] are not only seeing a lot of things and doing something different, but they have an incredible amount of responsibility -- just those two people carrying some of the most-sensitive material that our nation has,” he said.

Stankevitz agreed, adding, “Being entrusted with that is a huge responsibility.”

It’s a responsibility he expects to continue long into the future.

“Changing requirements may change how we operate and where we operate out of, but we will still continue to operate,” Stankevitz said. “Overall, we are still going to see a demand for our business for the foreseeable future.”

AF leaders send birthday messages to Marine Corps

11/7/2012 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy salute the Marine Corps on its 237th birthday Nov. 10.

Donley wrote a letter to the Secretary of the Navy stating, "On behalf of the men and women of the United States Air Force, congratulations as you celebrate the 237th birthday of the United States Marine Corps.

"Generations of Marines have faithfully demonstrated the honor, courage, and commitment that will always remain the hallmarks of the Corps. Those who wear the emblem of the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor today are adding new chapters of valor to the Corps' history that will inspire generations to come.

"America's Airmen are proud to protect our Nation's freedoms alongside the men and women of the United States Marine Corps. We wish you all the best as you celebrate this important day."

Welsh wrote a letter to the Commandant of the Marine Corps stating, "On behalf of the Airmen of the United States Air Force, congratulations to the Leathernecks of the United States Marine Corps as you celebrate 237 years of selfless service to our Nation.

"The Marines have served as the Nation's elite fighting force since before America declared her independence. That tradition of excellence remains in your Service today, with each Marine symbolizing the pinnacle of honor, courage, and commitment, inspiring the generations who follow.

"The men and women of the U.S. Air Force are proud to serve alongside their Marine brothers and sisters in the defense of freedom and the American way of life. Semper Fi!"

Roy wrote a letter to the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps stating, "I'm writing to wish a Happy Birthday to the United States Marine Corps. For hundreds of years, brave and valiant Marines have protected our country in the air, on land and at sea. Americans have come to rely on Marines to be most ready when the Nation is least ready.

"Marines have served with bravery and made selfless sacrifices for 237 years. Since the Corps' founding at Tun Tavern in 1775, Marines have served with honor, courage and commitment. From the American Revolutionary War to current operations in Afghanistan, Marines have remained focused, ready and willing to answer our nation's call.

"On behalf of Airmen everywhere, thank you for your service. We look forward to working together to continue to bring the fight to the enemy."

Pentagon Officials Provide Storm Response Update

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 7, 2012 – The Department of Defense is a fully integrated partner in the federal, state, and local response to Hurricane Sandy and is appropriately postured to provide additional assistance to civilian authorities as a result of the northeaster currently sweeping through the mid-Atlantic and northeastern United States, defense officials reported today.

To address potential issues that may result from the northeaster, DOD has kept significant capacity in the region to provide emergency, temporary power and pumping capability and to distribute fuel, food, cold-weather clothing and other comfort items as requested by civil authorities, officials said.

DOD's response to Hurricane Sandy continues, officials said. Significant updates over the past 24 hours, as of 11 a.m. EST, include:

-- U.S. Transportation Command has delivered 354 power restoration vehicles and 449 technical personnel on 64 missions from California, Arizona, Nevada, and Washington to Stewart Air National Guard Base, N.Y.; Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.; and John F. Kennedy International Airport, N.Y. Seven more flights are scheduled today from McChord Air Force Base, Wash., to McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.
-- Since Hurricane Sandy struck the east coast, Air Force, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard C-17 Globemaster IIIs, C-5 Galaxies, C-27J Spartans and C-130 Hercules have flown nearly 200 sorties, moving more than 700 passengers and approximately 3,000 tons of cargo. The Air Force delivered equipment, supplies and crews ranging from teams of power company employees and blankets to generators, water pumps and utility trucks being used to restore power to areas devastated by the disaster.
-- Marine Corps pump teams assigned to the 19th Engineering Battalion, Fort Knox, Ky., pumped 256,000 gallons from basement areas at three apartment complexes in Queens, N.Y., and are continuing operations in the same neighborhoods. Air Force teams provided pump support to the New York City Fire Department in Brooklyn and at the Rockaway Waste Water Treatment Plant. A Navy dive detachment is providing pump support at the World Trade Center. Army divers are assisting with assessments at Craven Point, and Amtrak Substation in Kearney, N.J.
-- The USS San Antonio and the USS Carter Hall repositioned from Breezy Point, N.Y., due to storm warnings. The USS Wasp will weather the storm at anchor.
-- Navy and Marine Corps teams have begun pumping operations in Breezy Point, N.Y.
-- Navy divers assisted with surface and underwater infrastructure assessments, evaluating storm damage to Coast Guard Station Sandy Hook. Navy personnel also assisted with debris cleanup operations at the station.
-- Marine teams are removing debris from locations and routes in Staten Island and at the Hoboken Ferry Terminal.
-- The secretary of defense approved the use of a fourth vessel, the Maine Maritime Training Ship, State of Maine, to provide accommodations and meals to first responders in New York City. The TS State of Maine will join the TS Empire State, TS Kennedy, and Ready Reserve Fleet Vessel SS Wright already at anchor in New York City.
-- Over the past 24 hours, the Defense Logistics Agency delivered one million meals to JBMDL and Floyd Bennett Field, N.Y., and 850,000 gallons of fuel to Federal Emergency Management Agency-supported sites s throughout the affected region. DLA is providing 600,000 meals, 600,000 bottles of water, propane, and diesel fuel to support 11 American Red Cross sites in New York and New Jersey.
-- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for water drainage operations at 14 sites. To date, seven sites have been completed, seven sites are being pumped and engineers expect to complete operations at two sites in the next 24 hours. The Corps of Engineers has processed more than 470 requests for power restoration services to date.
-- More than 7,100 National Guard members are supporting the governors of Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and West Virginia. These National Guard troops continue to provide critical assistance to local first-responders and FEMA with damage assessments, route clearance, power generation, fuel distribution, debris reduction and removal, search and rescue, delivery of essential equipment and supplies, support at evacuation shelters and first-responder bed-down locations, and the employment of unique engineering capabilities.
-- The New York National Guard has 4,248 people and more than 600 vehicles on state active duty supporting relief efforts. The New York National Guard is conducting 20 point-of-distribution missions, which have provided 115,000 cases of meals, 62,283 cases of bottled water and 31,558 blankets to date.
-- The New Jersey National Guard has 2,011 people on state active duty supporting relief efforts. New Jersey National Guard members are assisting emergency responders with fuel distribution, with over 170,232 gallons distributed since Nov. 2. Guard members also distributed 6,618 blankets, 1,740 cots and 3,648 towels throughout the state. The New Jersey National Guard is assisting law enforcement agencies with security support in Monmouth and Ocean counties.

DoDEA Names Daniele Massey 2013 Teacher of the Year

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 7, 2012 – Daniele Massey, an Algebra I teacher for students at Vilseck High School in Germany, is the Department of Defense Education Activity’s Teacher of the Year, DODEA officials announced today.

Massey is a military spouse and accompanied her husband to Vilseck in 2006, where she was offered her first DoDEA teaching position. Before moving to Vilseck, she taught at Fayetteville Technical Community College in Fayetteville, N.C. She is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education and mathematics, and continued her education at Central Missouri State University, earning a Master of Science degree in college student personnel administration.

“We are honored to name Daniele Massey as our DoDEA Teacher of the Year,” said DoDEA Director Marilee Fitzgerald. “As a military spouse, she is well-acquainted with the impact of the unique military lifestyle on the education of our children.”

Fitzgerald lauded Massey’s impact in the classroom and said she has changed the lives of thousands of children worldwide.

Massey was selected as the Bavaria District Teacher of the Year and was then selected by a panel of DoDEA leaders, which included the 2012 DoDEA Teacher of the Year, Angela Wilson. Wilson was one of four finalists selected to compete for the title of National Teacher of the Year.

Massey said she believes in developing and fostering personal connections with students, parents and community members to help students achieve success. She co-teaches Algebra I “flipped-mastery style teaching.” The flipped classroom involves students using the internet, videos and reading to receive much of their information at home, so class time can be used for student/teacher interaction instead of lecturing.
“I want students to take ownership of their learning,” Massey said.

Outside of school, Massey dedicates her time to volunteering in the community through various events and clubs. Massey and her husband, Army Maj. Adrian Massey, have two daughters.

The DoDEA Teacher of the Year program recognizes and promotes excellence in education. The competition is the oldest awards program for teachers in the country.

Teachers may be nominated by a peer, administrator, parent, student or community member. Nominees complete an application packet and submit it to a selection panel at a DoDEA district office, where one applicant is chosen as the district teacher of the year. A second, central panel then selects the DoDEA Teacher of the Year from among the district winners. The DoDEA Teacher of the Year competes for the title of National Teacher of the Year.

DoDEA plans, directs, coordinates, and manages pre-kindergarten through 12th grade education programs for Department of Defense dependents who would otherwise not have access to a high-quality public education.

DoDEA schools are located in Europe, the Pacific, the United States, Guam, Cuba and Puerto Rico.
DoDEA also provides support and resources to local education activities that serve children of military families throughout the United States.

Panetta: Election Over, Mission Remains

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 7, 2012 – With the 2012 presidential election concluded, the Defense Department continues to be “squarely focused” on the mission of national defense, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta wrote today in a message addressed to the department’s military and civilian workforce.

The message reads:

“This week, millions of Americans exercised their most important responsibility as citizens and participated in the electoral process.

“Throughout the campaign season, we at the Department of Defense have been squarely focused on our mission of defending the nation. Now that the campaign is over, we will stay just as focused on that critical mission.

“America's elected leaders, in turn, now have the responsibility to do everything possible to ensure that we succeed in our mission.

“As the country moves beyond the 2012 election, DOD personnel should take heart in one thing that will always unite the American people, and that is their strong support for the millions of men and women in uniform who put their lives on the line to defend and keep our country safe.

“Let us renew our pledge as a Department to keep fighting for a safer and stronger future for the United States, and to ensure this always remains a government of, by, and for all people.”

New Rules Help Troops Gain Commercial Driver’s Licenses

By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 7, 2012 – Service members who are licensed to drive a range of military vehicles now have an advantage gaining a commercial driver’s license, a senior defense official said.
Frank C. DiGiovanni, who directs the Defense Department’s office of training readiness and strategy, recently told The Pentagon Channel and American Forces Press Service the licensing development is “the second piece of something that was passed last year.”

In 2011, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration enacted the commercial learner's permit rule. It allows states to substitute two years of safe driving experience in qualifying military vehicles for the skills-test portion of the commercial driver’s license test.

DiGiovanni said the Military Commercial Driver’s License Act of 2012, which took effect in October, adds another boost for service members with military licenses who seek civilian credentials. The new legislation permits states to issue commercial driver's licenses to members of the Armed Forces who are stationed in a state, but not a resident of that state.

Because they move frequently, service members often maintain one state of residency. Service members who leave the military while living in a state other than their state of residency would previously have had to wait 30 days to a year to earn residency, DiGiovanni said.

He offered an example of the new act’s provisions: suppose a service member is stationed in Texas but plans to leave the military and move to South Carolina. That person -- if he or she has the required driving experience -- can take the written commercial driver’s license test in Texas while still on active duty, receive a license, and then transfer the license to South Carolina later on, DiGiovanni said. All 50 states have reciprocity agreements for commercial driving licenses, he noted.

The law applies to all active duty, reserve, National Guard, and Coast Guard members. About 10,000 truck drivers, mostly soldiers and Marines, separate from the military each year, according to defense officials. Tens of thousands of other motor vehicle operators, who may drive a vehicle as an additional duty, may also be affected.

DiGiovanni noted commercial license requirements vary by state, so service members should learn the specific rules for their state of residence.

He added each state is funded through the Department of Labor for a veterans outreach coordinator.

“You need to go to the website for a state that you’re interested in, and search for the veterans outreach coordinator home page,” he said. “… That should help you with what’s available state-by-state.”

DOD offers overall transition assistance through its revamped Transition Assistance Program, he said, which is the first place that service members very close to separating should check to determine what help they can access and what mandatory requirements they face in transition.
DiGiovanni noted DOD is working through its credentialing and licensing task force to incorporate post-military career planning throughout a service member’s career cycle:

-- After initial technical training, when “there are many licenses and credentials that could be gained, once an individual graduates,” he said.
-- After a few years’ military experience. “Many [commercial] licenses and credentials also require experience, so that would be another time that we would look to have policy, or provide some guidance on counseling of our service members as to what their opportunities are,” the director added.
-- Finally, when a service member first considers leaving the military, “… maybe a year to two years out, we would begin to talk to them about how they could leverage the skill sets they’ve learned while serving their country into something that could be useful to them as a career outside of the military, in the private sector,” he said.

His office, he said, is working to develop and set policy to “help energize the services to provide that kind of counseling and guidance and awareness across a service member’s career.”

DOD’s credentialing and licensing task force was created at the request of the White House, DiGiovanni said, but while his office puts policy in place, “in reality, we’re really providing guidance. In the end, it’s each of the services, and manpower, personnel [and] reserve affairs secretariats that really have the actions to implement what we’re doing as a department … to make sure our veterans are prepared to serve in the private sector.”

The department’s entire veteran employment effort, he said, is intended to honor veterans’ service to the country, and to help them transition successfully to post-military life.

“I think [through] the 10 years of conflict, and the fact that we’re downsizing the force, the fact that almost 300,000 people a year leave the Department of Defense -- that we’ve realized that this really is important to us, to look at individuals throughout their entire service,” he said.

DOD also gains something by helping service members to transition successfully, DiGiovanni noted.
“Getting certain licenses and credentials … [broadens] one’s perspective, and therefore enhances the professionalism of the force,” he said.

The second advantage the department gains, he said, is in recruiting capability.

As the department’s licensing and credentialing efforts move ahead, recruiters can point out to prospective military drivers that they’ll not only receive military skill training but also transferable, private-sector job qualifications, DiGiovanni said.

Vandenberg Fire Department takes gold, bronze in international challenge

by The Vandenberg Fire Department

11/5/2012 - VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A team of six Vandenberg firefighters competed in an international touring and television sports event Oct. 26-29 in San Diego, Calif.

According to the event's official website, The Firefighter Combat Challenge, otherwise known as, "the toughest two minutes in sports," seeks to encourage firefighter fitness and demonstrate the rigors of the profession to the public.

"The teams must wear full bunker gear and the SCOTT Air-Pak breathing apparatus as pairs of competitors race head-to-head," said Dan Ardoin, Vandenberg Fire Department division chief. "Wearing the gear simulates the physical demands of real-life firefighting while the teams are performing a linked series of five tasks including climbing a 5-story tower, hoisting, chopping, dragging hoses and rescuing a life-sized, 175 pounds 'victim.' Teams are racing against themselves, their opponent and the clock," Ardoin said.

Last weekend's national level FFCC event was only Vandenberg's third time competing  in a challenge that has been around for 21 years, spawning over 500 challenges.

"Usually we're unable to send a team to this competition because all of our potential competitors are working," said Mark Farias, Vandenberg Fire Department chief.

This year, the Vandenberg team was able to take home gold and bronze in several categories.

"Our team placed exceptionally well in all events," Farias said. "Marissa Halbeisen won first place in the female category and she also placed third on a coed tandem team event with Manny Villegas. Our entire Vandenberg team placed fourth overall."

Don't underestimate this Vandenberg Fire Department team. According to the chief, they are a force to be reckoned with.

"We're so new to this competition, that in years past we brought our own equipment and ran the obstacles wearing real gear," Farias said. "Actual fire equipment is heavier than the training equipment the competition allows. Even though this made our times slower, we still placed well nationally. The Vandenberg Fire Department is an extremely fine-tuned, synergistic machine. I'm proud of each and every one of them and I'm excited for them to show the world what we're made of at the worldwide firefighting competition later this month."

Halbeisen and Villegas will represent Team Vandenberg at the Firefighter Combat World Challenge XXI held at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, from Nov. 12 - 17.

AF safety chief shares vision

by Darlene Y. Cowsert
Air Force Safety Center Public Affairs

11/7/2012 - KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. (AFNS) -- With two months in the seat as Air Force Chief of Safety, Maj. Gen. Margaret H. Woodward doesn't need a palm reader to glimpse the future.

"It is absolutely essential that safety is embraced as a core value in preserving combat capability," Woodward said.

The Air Force's success in reducing mishaps over the past 10 years has leveled off, while the cost of losing a single Air Force asset has grown exponentially. "It's time to take our mishap efforts to the next level," Woodward said, "and that will be driven by a proactive safety approach.

"We've always practiced active safety by managing known risks and hazards," Woodward said. "Now, we're transforming Air Force safety by studying leading indicators of mishaps, while continuing to investigate trailing indicators identified by safety investigations and applying trending data."

Woodward noted that the transformation will take a concerted effort at all levels. "That's exactly why a safety culture must be embedded as a core value at every level.

"Our work as Airmen is inherently risky, but we pay attention to those risks and mitigate the risks as much as possible," Woodward said. "We've done such a good job at reducing mishaps that we've made it look easy. It never gets easy; we have to keep looking for ways to further reduce risks by identifying those mishap precursors before the next mishap."

Though on-duty risk mitigation has improved, Woodward points to the need for a stronger safety culture to influence sound risk management during off-duty hours, when the majority of active duty mishaps occur.

Woodward has served more than nine years as a commander - a third of her career - and served twice in combat. "Losing an Airman to something preventable is the most tragic thing," she said, "and I hope to do everything I can in this job to prevent other commanders from having to experience that.

"Sometimes Airmen take unnecessary risks and make mistakes, particularly during off-duty hours," she said. "We can't protect Airmen against bad choices, but we'll continue to use new methods to train, educate and influence them so they have the knowledge and ability to make good decisions based on risk management.

"Safety is about preserving combat capabilities," she said. "If we don't think in those terms every day -- on and off duty -- we're not doing our job."

Woodward is a command pilot with more than 3,800 flying hours in trainers, tankers and cargo aircraft. As the Air Force Chief of Safety, she's responsible for oversight of development, execution and evaluation of all Air Force aviation, ground, weapons, space and system mishap prevention, and nuclear surety programs and policies.

From her office at the Pentagon, Woodward directs about 150 safety experts and specialists at the Safety Center here who conduct research to promote safety awareness and mishap prevention, oversee mishap investigations and manage, develop and conduct all Air Force safety and risk management courses.

From Afghanistan to Sandy, Transcom Synchronizes Support

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill., Nov. 6, 2012 – As Hurricane Sandy hurtled menacingly toward the New Jersey shore last week, the staff in U.S. Transportation Command’s sprawling fusion center weren’t resting on their laurels waiting for a call for help.

Army Maj. Charles Ward, U.S. Northern Command joint military operations officer with U.S. Transportation Command, mans his station in the Transcom Fusion Center Nov. 2, 2012, as Air Force Lt. Col. Ron Shouse checks a map location. U.S. Transportation Command photo by Bob Fehringer   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

The center serves as the central point for synchronizing, collaborating, monitoring and executing Transcom’s global transportation and distribution network, explained Air Force Col. Rob Brisson, who oversees its day-to-day operations.

 

The staff – more than 300 representatives from throughout Transcom, all 10 divisions within its J3 operations directorate, every service component, every other combatant command and several Defense Department agencies -- ensures the smooth, timely and uninterrupted flow of troops, equipment and supplies around the world, Brisson said.

Meanwhile, they keep a close eye on what’s happening around the world to anticipate and prepare for the next requirement, even before a combatant commander has issued it. That, Brisson said, ranges from the drawdown in Afghanistan, an effort already begun and expected to intensify leading up to December 2014, to less predictable events such as Superstorm Sandy.

A recent visit to the classified fusion center proved to be a relatively “quiet day,” by Transcom standards, Brisson said. Members of one of the largest divisions, dubbed “J3 East,” peered into computer screens or gathered in small groups to discuss Transcom’s highest operational priority: supporting the mission in Afghanistan.

As Transcom’s Sustainment Division focuses on keeping deployed forces throughout Southwest Asia -- and around the globe -- supplied with everything from food to ammunition, the J3 East team concentrates on deployments and the daunting task of redeploying troops and their equipment, Brisson explained.

The J3 East team also has responsibility for planning Transcom support U.S. European Command, U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Special Operations Command.

Across the room, its sister division, “J3 West,” is dedicated to planning transportation and logistics support to U.S. Northern Command, U.S. Southern Command, U.S. Pacific Command and U.S. Strategic Command.

Several of the division staff had been participating via computer in Exercise Global Thunder 2012. The annual Stratcom exercise, with an emphasis on nuclear command and control, is designed to train forces to deter, and if necessary, defeat a military attack on the United States.

But as a different kind of adversary – the largest Atlantic hurricane on record – roared north on a trajectory targeting New Jersey, J3 West’s Northcom branch quickly turned its attention there.

Anticipating a role if the states turned to the federal government for help, Transcom already had stood up a joint planning team to project what Northcom might request. Based on past disaster responses, the team knew Transcom could be called on to do anything from providing airlift support to delivering military forces, supplies or water, distillation or sanitation capabilities, Brisson said.

“This is not just us back there going, ‘What if?’” he said. “It is a bunch of people sitting back there, looking at lessons learned from the myriad of other hurricane support efforts that we have done, and putting together a coherent initial plan to provide support.”

The order ultimately came down when the affected states turned to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which in turn approached Northcom for U.S. military support. Based on its planning, Transcom already was ready to move out when Northcom issued the requirements.

The Air Force’s Air Mobility Command, Transcom’s airlift component, was called on beginning Oct. 31 to fly sorties in support of relief efforts, delivering personnel and equipment as well as Department of Health and Human Services personnel, reported Army Maj. Charles Ward, the Northcom joint mobility operations officer at Transcom.

Transcom’s Joint Enabling Capabilities Element also deployed its Joint Public Affairs Support Element and Joint Communications Support Element.

As of today, Transcom has conducted 78 air missions, delivering more than 630 personnel and 3,000 short-tons of vehicles, equipment and relief supplies in support of relief operations, command officials reported. Included in Transcom’s deliveries to the stricken region were about 200 line, bucket, drill, digger, pickup and work trucks; pump equipment and generators; and more than 30,000 blankets.

In addition to HHS employees, Transcom transported search-and-rescue, public utilities, and dewatering experts, as well as engineers and veterinarians, officials said. In addition, Air Mobility Command has postured aeromedical evacuation support forces for rapid deployment, if required.
“The value Transcom brings is that we maximize the pace of the response to alleviate suffering and help those affected get back to a normal state of life as soon as possible,” Ward said.

As the fusion center’s J3 West division focused on support for Super Storm Sandy and J3 East, on Centcom’s ongoing requirements, the rest of the staff went about its daily business overseeing the rest of the massive Transcom mission around the world.

During any given day, they oversee operations as Transcom’s organic and commercial partners move 26 ships and load and unload another nine ships. They conduct 100 railcar shipments, 2,000 truck cargo shipments, 2,000 household goods movements, 900 airlift sorties, 97 operational air refueling sorties, seven air evacuation sorties and 30 courier deliveries.

To Brisson and his staff, it’s all in a day’s work. “We do a lot around here. But you can see the enthusiasm behind it, and the fact that we are all very proud of what we do,” he said. “We are the peaceful professionals who sit back behind the supported commander and do what we need to do to effect a mission that needs to get done.”

(Bob Fehringer and Christine Pesout of U.S. Transportation Command contributed to this article.)

First African-American Academy grad passes away

11/6/2012 - U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. (AFNS) -- The first African-American to graduate from the Air Force Academy passed away Nov. 5 at his home in Lolo, Mont.

"The United States Air Force Academy is saddened to learn of the passing of one our most notable graduates, Chuck Bush," said Lt. Gen. Mike Gould, Academy superintendent. "Our hearts go out to Tina, Chip, Kyra, Bettina and all of the Bush family.

Charles Vernon Bush, Class of 1963, entered the Academy with his two African-American classmates, reporting as a cadet in June 1959.

He distinguished himself as a squadron commander, a member of the Academy's debate team, and a member of the Cadet Wing champion rugby team.

Having received academic course credits from Howard University, Bush was accepted into a special joint Academy/Georgetown University master's program, commencing with graduate courses in his senior year, which included his oral comprehensives in the Russian language.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1963, Bush received his Master of Arts degree in International Relations from Georgetown University in June 1964, and was inducted into the Georgetown chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society.

He then attended Air Intelligence Officers School, and served at Westover Air Force Base, Mass., where, among his other activities, he taught undergraduate political science courses at American International College. After becoming fluent in the Vietnamese language at Sanz Language School in Washington, D.C, he was assigned to Vietnam in 1967 as an intelligence officer.

In Vietnam, he was responsible for the deployment and operations of six intelligence teams operating from a number of sites, including Saigon, Bien Hoa, Nha Trang, Pleiku, Da Nang and Can Tho. The teams were involved with significant intelligence operations, particularly involving the attack on Tan Son Nhut Air Base during the Tet Offensive of 1968, and the defense of the Marines and South Vietnamese at the Battle of Khe Sanh.

Returning to the United States in May 1968, Bush was again assigned to Headquarters Air Force Special Projects Production Facility, at Westover AFB, as chief of the technical analysis division. He resumed teaching political science courses at American International College.

In 1970, Bush resigned his commission and then attended Harvard Business School, majoring in finance. He spent the rest of his professional career in numerous business enterprises, serving as manager and senior corporate executive in such companies as Merrill Lynch-White Weld Capital Group, Max Factor and Hughes Electronics.

Included among his many distinguished business and academic activities, Bush was an Academy Falcon Foundation Trustee and a guest lecturer at the Academy's Department of Management. He was a diversity consultant for both the Air Force and Air Force Academy.

Bush received many accolades in both his military and civilian careers. While in the Air Force, he received the Bronze Star Medal, Joint Services Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.

"A member of the Class of 1963 and the first African-American graduate, Mr. Bush's courage and commitment to enhancing diversity in the United States military will pay itself forward for many generations," Gould continued. "The Academy family is truly proud to call Mr. Chuck Bush one of our own."

Air Force leaders issue Veterans Day message

11/7/2012 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy send the following Veterans Day message to the Airmen of the U.S. Air Force:

"Our Air Force's success is founded in the sacrifice of generations who served before. This Veterans Day, we honor and thank more than 22 million American veterans, including four million veterans of the United States Air Force.

"Every veteran, past and present, has a story. Some served in wartime, others during moments of peace; many were volunteers, others were called; some served a matter of days, while others gave their life's work to the profession of arms. All deserve our deepest gratitude.

"The men and women of our Armed Forces fought for and some gave their lives to secure the freedoms we enjoy today. For their sacrifice in service to America, our Nation owes a debt of appreciation that can never be repaid. Our veterans' families also deserve our collective thanks -- their support makes the service of their loved ones possible, and their presence strengthens every man and woman in uniform.

"Standing on the shoulders of veterans past, today's Airmen -- YOU -- continue to reach beyond what was once thought possible to discover and employ innovative airpower solutions for America. Every day you answer the Nation's call, whether in the skies or combat theaters abroad, in space or cyberspace, on the ground delivering relief and hope to families in need, or here at home protecting America's airspace. Your continued commitment to defend and preserve the cause of freedom will ensure that future generations continue to enjoy the liberties we cherish today.

"For all you have given to America and to its great Air Force, and for your service yet to come, you have earned our Nation's thanks. On this Veterans Day, take time to thank those in your families, communities and workplaces who have served America and defended her ideals."

JB MDL hosts engineers clearing flood waters

by Capt. Sybil Taunton
U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center public affairs

11/7/2012 - JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- A team of nearly 50 Air Force civil engineers from duty locations across the country pulled together to form the 331st Air Expeditionary Group this week, to pump flood waters affecting New York coastal communities following Hurricane Sandy.

The 331st AEG assembled here Saturday, with engineers from Hurlburt Field, Fla.; Joint Base Andrews, Md.; Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va.; Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho; and Ellsworth AFB, S.D.; led by a command team from Nellis AFB, Nev. The team received additional equipment contributed by Offutt AFB, Neb., and Holloman AFB, N.M. and staged out of JB MDL facilities to support relief operations.

"The whole Joint Base MDL community has been extremely responsive and helpful in facilitating our support mission currently taking place in the New York City area where flood waters have devastated communities," said Col. Darren Bishop, 331st AEG commander and the 99th Mission Support Group commander from Nellis AFB. "The Resource Control Center equipped us with extra cots and sleeping bags for forward deployment, the 305th Air Mobility Wing gave us hangar space to stage assets, the87th Civil Engineer Squadron gave us trailer hitches and fixed office heat for us, the Logistics Readiness Squadron cut emergency fuel keys for us, and the list goes on and on."

According to Bishop, the 331st AEG is part of a joint service mission supplying forces to "Task Force Pump" to ensure Department of Defense pumping assets are pooled and utilized effectively and efficiently to support relief efforts. The task force has partnered with the New York Fire Department to determine the priority in which locations should receive pumping support to remove flood waters from critical areas.

"This team is a combination of Red Horse and Prime BEEF engineers from several locations, and we were all eager to respond and help out in any way we can to provide relief to these communities that have lost so much during this disaster," said Capt. Eric Rosenlof, Officer in Charge of the 331st AEG engineers sent to Fort Hamilton, N.Y., originally assigned to the 823rd Red Horse Squadron out of Hurlburt Field, Fla.

The 331st AEG split up into several teams in order to provide pump support in various locations at once. The first team arrived at the Rockaway, N.Y., Wastewater Treatment Facility and learned quickly how important their mission was going to be.

"We were told that we need to help clear water from one tank to another so that each tank can be cleaned of sludge and debris, one at a time," said Staff Sgt. Paul Clayborn, originally of the 823rd Red Horse Squadron from Hurlburt Field, Fla. "Each of the four tanks being cleared holds 500,000 gallons of water and blockages in these tanks forces sewage water back into the bay, so we need to help get them cleared out as soon as possible."

Another team removed water from a parking lot down the road in Rockaway, then made their way to Breezy Point to help families clear flood waters from their homes.

"Breezy Point is one of many hard hit areas and is still without power and water as most of the homes are badly damaged or destroyed," said Master Sgt. Steven Rector, team lead originally of the 366th CES from Mountain Home AFB, Idaho. "Our team helped local residents pump out driveways and submerged areas so residents could salvage and recover personal property."

Eleven miles away, the next team arrived in Coney Island to pump water from basements ravaged by the storm, while a fourth team cleared water from a parking garage in Brooklyn.

"Local residents have tried for the last week to pump the parking garage out with little success," said Tech.l Sgt. James Duhon, team lead originally of the 633rd CES from JBLE, Va. "Our team had it pumped half way down in the first couple hours before identifying a water main break inside the garage keeping it from being emptied. The water break was isolated and shut-off and pumping operations resumed. By late afternoon the basement parking garage was drained and our task was completed."

After the first day of pumping operations, with more to be done, a timeline for how long these efforts will continue is unclear.

"I can't offer a forecast as to how long the 331st AEG will be here," Bishop said. "But I can tell you that we are honored to be doing this mission and will stay as long as we can to support relief operations."

Pentagon Officials Detail Continuing Storm Response Support

American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Nov. 6, 2012 – Defense Department support in the wake of Superstorm Sandy continues, Pentagon officials reported today. U.S. Transportation Command has delivered 208 power restoration vehicles and 354 technical personnel on 56 missions from California, Arizona, and Washington to Stewart Air National Guard Base, N.Y., Joint Base Dix-McGuire-Lakehurst, N.J., and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. An additional three flights were scheduled today from California and Nevada to JFK. The 401st, 410th, and 431st quartermaster teams -- from Lock Haven, Pa., Jacksonville, Fla., and Kinston, N.C., respectively -- have reported to Dix-McGuire-Lakehurst for allocation to the affected areas. The 401st Quartermaster Team is on assignment in Long Beach, N.Y. The 172nd Preventive Health Team from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.; the 227th Preventive Health Team from Fort Bragg, N.C.; and the 43rd Veterinary Team from Fort Hood, Texas, are at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and are prepared to deploy. The Defense Logistics Agency has delivered more than 3 million meals to Federal Emergency Management Agency facilities in West Virginia, New York and New Jersey. Another 5 million meals are in production. DLA delivered 500,000 meals to McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and 500,000 meals to Floyd Bennett Field, N.Y. Meanwhile, DLA delivered 1,000 cots, 1,000 blankets and 1 million packaged meals to Fort Hamilton, N.Y., for the National Guard and 3,000 cots to Dix-McGuire-Lakehurst for National Guard personnel in the area, along with 140,000 blankets and 200 hypothermia kits. DLA is executing the purchase of up to 12 million gallons of gasoline and 12 million gallons of diesel fuel, and 260 fuel trucks are on contract to support fuel distribution. More than 500,000 gallons have been delivered to FEMA distribution sites so far, officials said. Fuel was provided to 27 of 79 state-identified commercial stations in New York and New Jersey. In both states, FEMA continues to assign DLA to deliver gas at the governors' requests. Generators had arrived or were in transit today to Dix-McGuire-Lakehurst, and DLA has ordered seven more to be delivered tomorrow. DLA has contracts in place to support debris removal, with 3,000-ton barges for garbage hauling estimated to arrive tomorrow or Nov. 8. DLA has also awarded two contracts for 330 roll-off dumpsters and 34 trucks for overland trash hauling. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has more than 600 personnel supporting response operations, with a focus on supporting dewatering and power missions in New York and New Jersey. The Corps of Engineers deployed technical assistance teams and senior leadership oversight, and are deploying and identifying pump and emergency generator requirements consistent with FEMA mission assignments. In addition, the Corps of Engineers is supporting emergency temporary power missions in New York and New Jersey with more than 335 generators staged at forward locations. As of today, 80 emergency generators had been installed, officials said. Dewatering operations continue at 14 sites, including the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, the Montague Tunnel, Passaic Valley Waste Water Treatment Plant and the Jersey City PATH Train Tunnel. Those operations are complete at the Queens Midtown Tunnel, World Trade Center site, the South Ferry Station, the 53rd Street Tunnel, Battery Underpass, Manhattan Steam Plant Tunnel, and the 14th Street Tunnel. The Corps of Engineers also continues to support emergency power restoration efforts at the Kinder Morgan Terminal. National Guard assistance also continues. Today, more than 7,400 National Guard personnel are assisting in response and recovery efforts across region affected by Sandy. Eight states are supporting the response efforts through Emergency Management Agreement Compacts: Delaware (106 personnel), Alabama (22), California (114), Georgia (20), Massachusetts (120), Maine (5), North Carolina (25), and Ohio (119). Two four-person power generation teams from the West Virginia National Guard are working with the Army Corps of Engineers to assist power generation missions. Some 3,364 New York National Guard personnel are on state active duty, supporting relief efforts, supporting power restoration, traffic control, debris removal, wellness checks, and food and water distribution. The New York Guard is conducting 20 point-of-distribution missions, with 258,000 meals, 431,984 bottles of water and 21,000 blankets distributed as of yesterday. With 2,092 personnel on state active duty, New Jersey National Guard personnel are conducting debris clearance and removal; high-water vehicle operations; shelter support; food, water and fuel distribution;, power generation; and presence patrols. The New Jersey Guard also continues aerial support missions, including FEMA damage assessments. Also, the New Jersey Guard has helped emergency responders with fuel distribution, with more than 93,229 gallons distributed since Nov. 2, and has distributed 6,618 blankets, 1,740 cots and 3,648 towels. They are assisting local and state law enforcement agencies with security support in Monmouth and Ocean counties. The West Virginia National Guard, with 542 personnel on state active duty, are conducting community assessments, medical evacuation, snow and debris removal, and food, water, and generator distribution. Deployed aviation assets are supporting response and recovery efforts.

Foreign Military Students Learn Public Affairs Skills

By Terri Moon Cronk
American Forces Press Service

FORT MEADE, Md., Nov. 6, 2012 – Fifteen foreign military students are hard at work writing communications plans for their countries as they learn the American approach to becoming military public affairs officers at the Defense Information School here.

Col. Philip Aguer Panyang of the South Sudanese army gets help from Grant Stolz, studio manager at the Defense Media Activity, as he prepares to participate in a television interview during the media training portion of the Defense Information School’s Public Affairs Course for International Students curriculum at Fort Meade, Md., Nov. 2, 2012. DOD photo by Marvin Lynchard   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

In the second class of the Public Affairs Course for International Students, military members from around the globe are learning the principles of how the U.S. military conducts public affairs programs ranging from media relations and conducting on-air interviews to writing news releases and giving public affairs advice to commanding officers. During the course, the students produce a 30-plus page communications plan to present to their commanders when they return home as they learn how to enhance the image of their military and how to release information in an accurate and timely manner.

"The course provides a commonality of instruction that’s in any international U.N. peacekeeping or humanitarian and disaster relief-driven operation in the future," military lead instructor, Navy Cmdr. John Schofield explained.

In addition to developing communications plans to take back to their countries, the students learn basic public affairs skills so they can hit the ground running with American PAOs when working side-by-side in relief operations and a multitude of other military missions, Schofield said.

"These trained [public affairs officers] essentially become force multipliers,” he said. “They go back to their home countries trained in what we think will make a successful PAO. What the Defense Department gains is having everyone on the same page. [For] the future, I believe we all understand … operations are not going to just be American, and a lot of what we do now is multinational. With PAOs on the same page, that's good for the overall [mission]."

Col. Philip Aguer Panyang of the South Sudanese army said he's gleaned vital basic professional communications skills in his first public affairs course.

"The people must know what's happening, and they have that democratic right to timely, accurate information," he said. His role is challenging, he added, because the South Sudanese have feared the media since the country’s break from North Sudan, and threats come from surrounding countries. "It's better to talk [about issues] to allay their fears," Panyang said he’s learned from the course.

He said information for South Sudan’s citizens centers on security from external forces, border issues and other infiltrators.

“We must deal with protection of the people, and sovereignty from aggressions,” he said.

Panyang said an important lesson he’s learned at DINFOS is to distance the military from oppression and propaganda. The best practices in communications are vital, he said, during the transformation of his military into a modern, conventional army, and “to interact with other countries that have the same level of understanding.”

With neither a newspaper nor social media in his army, Panyang said, he hopes to establish both and attract the professionals to get these media under way.

Unlike South Sudan, Ukraine is no stranger to social media, said 1st Lt. Iryna Yastremska, a Ukranian army journalist who scored the highest in a test in her country’s military to earn a seat in the DINFOS course.
“It is important for my country to know how to be a public affairs officer,” she said. “The course improved my English, and now I can use it in international missions.” Scofield said all the students must be able to speak English to attend the class.

Yastremska has learned a lot from her classmates, she said, from their varied experiences in communications. She calls the DINFOS class a “unique” atmosphere. “I never thought I’d have this opportunity,” she added.
When she returns to Ukraine, she said, she wants to develop a communications plan for peacekeeping initiatives. “A lot of things I didn’t know how to do before,” she said, “but I can now use my [skills] in my career.”

Social media, an area that receives a lot of emphasis in the course, is used for entertainment more than information in Ukraine, Yastremska said, adding that the use of the medium is still gaining ground. Facebook exists in Ukraine, but another social medium is much more popular among those in the former Soviet countries.

Yastremska says she gained a lot of benefits from the course. “I learned to think widely, how to respond effectively, and I believe I can train others,” she said. “DINFOS gives you all you need to be successful.”
Lt. Col. Saleh Alhlalat is a military liaison in his home country of Jordan, and he’s learning to be a public affairs officer at the DINFOS course. “This is the first time we’ve had such a good opportunity, and I’m very proud,” the Jordanian army officer said. “The [instructors] give you very professional training. They teach you how to speak, write, act and deliver information. We learned how to introduce and solve problems and learn all the techniques of being a PAO. It’s been amazing -- just incredible.”

Alhlalat said he thought it was important to learn how to work with international media. “In the Middle East, the media is very important. That’s what we learned here,” he said, followed by a smile and an American cliché: “No pain, no gain.”

He said he appreciates the help he’s received from the Americans, and he plans to stay in touch with the staff at DINFOS for support as he progresses in his public affairs career.

Continuing to network and keeping an open dialogue between students and instructors is important, Schofield said.
"I tell students, ‘Your success as a PAO is dependent on dialogue and networking -- dialogue with staff, fellow PAOs, subject-matter experts and the media. It’s key to your being successful in a network of critical staff members and people from other countries,’” he said.

The international course helps the U.S. defense mission, too, said Schofield, whose public affairs career includes being stationed on a nuclear aircraft carrier and as a Pentagon spokesman. Like other instructors, he eventually will return to a public affairs officer position. Learning in the course benefits both sides, by giving the DINFOS instructors insight into the customs, traditions and cultures of other countries, he explained, while giving the U.S. instructors insights that will prove helpful when they’re working in future partnered operations.

“If I had the opportunity to do something with [U.S.] European Command that involved the Ukraine in a naval operation on the Black Sea, I now know what social media is like in the Ukraine and what people prefer in terms of dialogue and communication there,” he noted.

477th Fighter Group welcomes new commander

by Capt. Ashley Conner
477th Fighter Group Public Affairs

11/5/2012 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Col. Tyler Otten became the 477th Fighter Group commander during a change of command ceremony here Nov. 2.

Otten was passed the reins of leadership from Col. Bryan Radliff who will go on to take command of the 419th FW at Hill AFB, Utah.

Under Radliff's command the group reached Full Operational Capability and passed the Compliance Unit Inspection, which was the first inspection since the group was activated in 2007.

"It is bitter sweet to leave this command but I know that under Col. Otten's leadership this group will go on to do amazing things," said Radliff.

Otten came to the 477th FG in January 2012 from Hill AFB, Utah where he served as the 466th FS commander. Prior to taking command Otten served as the 477th FG deputy commander.

"I look forward to the challenges I will face as commander but more importantly I look forward to serving with the great men and women in the 477th FG," said Otten.

During the ceremony Brig. Gen. William Binger, 10th Air Force commander lauded Radliff's accomplishments as commander and said "that without a doubt Col. Otten will build upon the accomplishment of Col. Radliff and take the group to the next level."

Otten is native of Marysville, Washington, received his commission from the United States Air Force Academy in 1988 with a degree in Human Factors Engineering. He graduated from Euro NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training at Sheppard AFB, Texas in 1989. Otten began his career flying F-16's and transitioned to the F-22 in June 2012.

AFGSC kicks off third annual Global Strike Challenge

by Carla Pampe
Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs

11/6/2012 - BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La.  -- The third-annual Air Force Global Strike Command Technology and Innovation Symposium kicked off today at the Shreveport Convention Center in Shreveport, La.

The symposium is part of the culmination of Global Strike Challenge, an annual event where the top security forces, maintainers, and missile and bomber crews compete to be recognized as the "best of the best" in their fields. Competition began in July, and ran through the summer.

Teams from the Command's six wings, as well as the Air Force Reserves and Air Combat Command, arrived in the Shreveport-Bossier City area Monday for the symposium and official score posting and awards ceremony at Hoban Hall at Barksdale.
Lt. Gen. Jim Kowalski, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, opened the symposium by thanking those who made the event possible, "especially the participants who earned the right to be here ... to come out and represent the best of the best."

Kowalski reminded the Airmen of their important role in strategic deterrence and their mission to maintain safe, secure and effective nuclear weapons.

"Part of this mission is that history should not remember our names - that's one thing that's very different about our command," he said.

While other military units often make their mark during times of war or major military campaigns, the general said, the Airmen of AFGSC use strategic deterrence to help prevent another world war from taking place.

"Since 1945, there have been 67 years of peace between major world powers," he said, adding that the work Air Force Global Strike Command has done since its standup in 2009 will help ensure that peace continues.

Global Strike Challenge concludes Wednesday with a traditional score posting and trophy presentations at Hoban Hall on base.

Last year, the 28th Bomb Wing, Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., won the Fairchild Trophy for best bomb wing. The 91st Security Forces Group from Minot Air Force Base, N.D. won the Charlie Fire Trophy for best security forces while the 90th Missile Wing, F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., took home the Blanchard Trophy for best ICBM wing. The 54th Helicopter Squadron at Minot AFB, N.D., took home the Bourland Trophy for Best Helicopter Squadron.

Special Report: Biosurveillance

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 6, 2012 - Biological, chemical, and nuclear terrorist attacks, extreme weather events, and naturally occurring emerging infectious diseases all pose national security threats unbounded by state, country and regional borders.

Visit the American Forces Press Service special report at http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2012/1012_biosurveillance/ to learn more about how the Defense Department uses global biosurveillance networks to identify and track such threats and to help defend the United States.

Hurlburt pays tribute to fallen ghostrider

by Senior Airman Joe W. McFadden
1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

10/30/2012 - HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- Hundreds of Air Commandos, families and close friends gathered during a memorial ceremony at the Commando Hangar at Hurlburt Field Oct. 25 to mourn the loss of a 1st Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Airman.

Airman 1st Class Colby Graham Siegel, an aerospace propulsion apprentice with 1st SOAMXS, 20, passed away Oct. 21 during a boating mishap in the Santa Rosa Sound, Fla.

In front of an AC-130U Spooky Gunship Siegel and his fellow Airmen maintained, 1st SOAMXS leadership remarked on the life and legacy he left behind.

"We're lucky to have met and to have known Colby," said Lt. Col. Matt Gamblin, commander of 1st SOAMXS. "In his passing, we lost a brother-in-arms, a son, a friend and a husband, but we will continue to celebrate his life as he lived it - taking care of each other and enjoying each moment."

Siegel, a native of Winter Haven, Fla., became an Eagle Scout at 13 and served in Junior ROTC in high school before enlisting in the Air Force Aug. 2, 2011.

"Colby Siegel is an inspiration," Gamblin said. "He didn't meet strangers-- he made friends. He not only knew your name, he'd help you in some way. He was a role model for his fellow Airmen--all of us--just as he was for the younger kids in his neighborhood."

After completing technical school training at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, Siegel arrived at Hurlburt Field in January 2012, soon coming under the watch of Tech. Sgt. Brandi Cole, a flight chief of 1st SOAMXS.

"He had so much energy and so much dedication," Cole said. "He was one of those Airmen who kept us focused and kept us entertained at all times, and we will miss him a lot. I want all of you guys to remember this time and this moment to think about Siegel and remember his old fallback response: 'It'll be all right. We'll get through it.' Always remember: Siegel will always be a Ghostrider. He will never be forgotten."

Siegel's funeral service took place Oct. 29 in Dundee, Fla. He is survived by his wife, his mother and his father.