U.S. Looking to Reassure NATO Allies About Ukraine

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

ABOARD A U.S. MILITARY AIRCRAFT, April 1, 2014 – The Russian takeover of Crimea from Ukraine has NATO allies worried, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today.

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey told reporters traveling with him that one of Russia’s reasons for invading Crimea was to protect ethnic Russians living there.

“These populations are intermingled,” Dempsey said as he flew home from Israel.

“If Russia were to assert a right to protect ethnic Russians inside other countries it could be incredibly destabilizing,” Dempsey said. “That’s why the Baltics are worried and why we are reassuring our NATO allies -- especially the Baltics, Poland, Romania.”

The Soviet Union forcibly incorporated the Baltic republics of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania and many ethnic Russians moved to the area.

In Latvia and Estonia, roughly a quarter of the population is ethnically Russian. In Lithuania, it’s about 14 percent.

The United States, Dempsey said, has standing unilateral plans to reinforce Europe if asked to do so.

The plan concentrates on logistics, the chairman said, which includes reception, staging, onward movement and integration.

The U.S. military is doing the logistics work that would be required to move the force if that ever became necessary, Dempsey said.

This is not a war plan, the chairman said, but even to increase the scope and scale of exercises there is a significant logistics footprint.

“What we are planning is the logistics aspects of reassurance activities,” he said.

VA Disability Claims Backlog Drops by 44 Percent

Department of Veterans Affairs

WASHINGTON, April 1, 2014 – One year after the backlog of pending disability compensation claims peaked at over 611,000 in March 2013, the Department of Veterans Affairs has reduced that number by approximately 44 percent to 344,000 claims -- a reduction of more than 267,000 -- while at the same time improving the accuracy of the decisions being made on veterans’ disability claims.

Additionally, on average, veterans are waiting 119 days less for a decision than they were at this time last year.

“No veteran should have to wait to receive earned benefits. Through a combination of transformation initiatives and the hard work of our employees, we are making significant progress toward our goal of eliminating the claims backlog in 2015,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “We still have more work to do, and no one is more committed than our Veterans Benefits Administration employees, over half of whom are veterans themselves.”

The current backlog, defined as claims pending more than 125 days, is at its lowest point since March 2011, when the backlog spiked in part because of the need to readjudicate 150,000 previously decided cases involving exposure to the Vietnam-era defoliant, Agent Orange.

The readjudication of these claims was mandated under the Nehmer court decision and followed the Shinseki’s decision to add ischemic heart disease, certain leukemias, and Parkinson's disease to the list of conditions presumed to be related to exposure to Agent Orange. During this same time period, VA also received and processed over 100,000 new claims for these three conditions from Vietnam veterans and survivors newly eligible for VA benefits as a result of this decision.

“We knew taking care of this ‘unfinished business’ for veterans of previous wars would initially drive up the number of claims in our system. But it was the right thing to do,” said Shinseki said.

Since establishing the goal in 2010 of processing all disability claims within 125 days at a 98-percent accuracy level, VA developed and is implementing a plan that transforms the decades-old, manual paper claim approach into a state-of-the-art electronic process that leverages digital data transfer and automated calculators to reduce processing time and input errors.

VA has also increased the productivity of its claims processing workforce through enhanced training, streamlined business processes and other initiatives such as mandating overtime and prioritizing the oldest claims, allowing VA’s 56 regional benefits offices to exceed monthly production records four times in fiscal year 2013.

At the same time, the accuracy of rating decisions continues to improve. VA’s national “claim-level” accuracy rate, determined by dividing the total number of cases that are error-free by the total number of cases reviewed, is currently 91 percent -- an eight-percentage-point improvement since 2011. When measuring the accuracy of rating individual medical conditions inside each claim, the three-month accuracy level is 96.5 percent. VA’s accuracy measures are statistically valid and the process has been independently verified by the Institute for Defense Analyses.

VA claims processors continue to prioritize disability claims for homeless veterans, those experiencing extreme financial hardship, the terminally ill, former prisoners of war, Medal of Honor recipients, and veterans filing fully developed claims. Filing an electronic FDC is the quickest way for a Veteran to receive a decision on their compensation claim..

Regardless of the status of their compensation claims, veterans who have served in combat since Nov. 11, 1998, are eligible for five years of free medical care from VA for any illness associated with their service.

Veterans can learn more about disability and other veterans benefits on the joint Department of Defense/VA web portal, eBenefits.

Face of Defense: Marine Paratroopers Take to the Skies

By Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Christopher J. Moore

1st Marine Division

PARKER, Ariz., April 1, 2014 – Marines entered the aircraft with their heads bowed against the whipping winds of the propellers as the plane ascended to approximately 6,000 feet in the air.

The paratroopers diligently watched the jumpmaster call out in a voice barely heard over the engines of the C-130 Hercules.

“Two minutes,” he yelled.

The Marines stood up, walked to the back of the plane, and waited for the signal to jump. What followed was a series of hand gestures that culminated in a double-bag static line jump for 24 Marines with Company B, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, held here March 24.

A static line is a cord attached from one end of the aircraft to the other. When the Marine jumps from the plane, the line pulls the deployment bag out of the pack on the Marine’s back causing it to inflate.

“It’s the first time for a lot of these guys to take this course,” said Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Mickey Eaton, the assistant operations chief with Company B. “It’s quite a bit of new information they have to learn and understand because this is a very maneuverable parachute, at a high altitude and a lot of emergency procedures.”

The Marines started the training with several days of classes and practical application before stepping onto the plane. Their first jump was with minimal gear, which allowed them to familiarize themselves with the parachute before progressing to full combat equipment.

They were required to have a total of 16 hours of packing the parachute throughout the course. During the packing process, each Marine checked for holes, rips and frays in the canopy. They checked the suspension lines for twists, turns and tangles to ensure the parachute was not damaged.

The Marines used parachutes designed for pinpoint landings as well as backup chutes in case the main one fails to deploy properly.

Jumping out of a plane from thousands of feet in the air can be a terrifying experience, said Marine Corps Sgt. Douglas Bobo, a team leader with Company B.

“I was pretty confident when I first went up in the air,” said Bobo, a native of Westerville, Ohio. “But when I stood up, my legs started shaking really bad. I almost had to close my eyes just to get out the door. Ever since then there’s no other feeling like it. I love it.”

The Marines taking the course were evaluated on their jump form, their formation in the air and their landing. They conducted both day and night jumps and were required to jump a total of 12 times to pass the course.

“It was a challenge for the Marines to learn to fly in a formation,” Eaton said. “This parachute has the potential to go extremely fast, so if they land going with the wind, they’re going to come in way to hard. They have to think about everything that could go wrong and overcome it.”

The Marines performed beyond the instructor’s expectations, Eaton said. He could tell they’d rehearsed and studied. He added that the Marines worked hard and well during the course.

Eaton said being qualified on the double-bag static line course broadens the spectrum of missions the Marines can conduct and helps them remain a premier force.

As they continue to hone their abilities with the parachute, the company will continue to prove 1st Reconnaissance Battalion Is a capable and effective fighting force.

AFSOUTH sends training team to Colombia to prepare for Exercise ANGEL THUNDER

by by Staff Sgt. Heather Redman
12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) Public Affairs

4/1/2014 - DAVIS-MONTHAN AFB, Ariz.  -- (This is part 2 of a 4 part series)

Capts. Aaron Cavazos and David Nagle, A-10 weapons officers assigned to the 355th Fighter Wing, recently returned from their second mobile training team (MTT) event this year with the Colombian Air Force (COLAF) to prepare for their participation in Exercise ANGEL THUNDER.

During their trip, Cavazos and Nagle worked with the COLAF to help develop exercise plans incorporating combat search and rescue tactics, and close air support tactics. This is the third year Colombia is participating in the combat search and rescue training, and it will be the first year Colombia participates in close air support roles.

Last year, Colombia participated in Exercise ANGEL THUNDER utilizing their C-130 Hercules aircraft, primarily for cargo and personnel transport. This year Colombia will bring their A-29 Super Tucano which is used for close air support missions, in addition to the C-130 and Bell 212 helicopter.

"With this being the first year that Colombia is using attack fixed wing aircraft platforms, we helped spin them up for the exercise," said Cavazos.

"By training with them in their own country, we are able to teach techniques in comfortable surroundings. And helps us prepare for the combat search and rescue missions we will encounter during Exercise ANGEL THUNDER," added Nagle.

The lessons learned during the training event are procedures the Colombian air force can incorporate into their everyday missions.

Combat search and rescue involves the rescue of an individual from a hostile environment. During Exercise ANGEL THUNDER, close air support participants will train in suppressing enemy fire and keeping adversaries from capturing additional resources and aircraft.

Cavazos and Nagle will be returning to Colombia in April to continue training prior to the start of ANGEL THUNDER.

"This is an ongoing effort that is just another example of the close ties between our nations. AFSOUTH has been sending people to train with Colombia for years and will continue to send people after us, to strengthen the relationship between our two countries," said Cavazos.

ANGEL THUNDER is the largest and most realistic joint service, multinational, interagency combat search and rescue exercise in the world. ANGEL THUNDER uses a variety of scenarios to simulate deployment conditions and contingencies to provide personnel recovery and combat search and rescue training for combat aircrews, pararescue, intelligence personnel, battle managers and joint search and rescue center personnel.

The exercise will be conducted May 4-17 and will execute training scenarios from Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., to the Pacific Ocean off of the coast of California.

President Obama visits wounded warriors at Ramstein

by Staff Sgt. Sara Keller
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

4/1/2014 - RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany  -- Air Force One touched down at Ramstein Air Base bringing President Barack Obama, to meet with some of America's heroes March 29.

After a week of traveling through Europe and stopping in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the president made a short trip to Germany to meet with wounded warriors from the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center here.

"[Meeting the President] was such a surreal experience," said Sgt. 1st Class Shederis Lakin, a wounded warrior from the 840th Transportation Battalion, 595th Transportation Brigade. "It's not every day a service member gets to meet the commander in chief, I feel honored to have gotten the opportunity."

As Airmen from the 86th Logistics Readiness Squadron quickly and efficiently loaded 240,000 lbs of fuel in 33 minutes, making it a record for fastest time to refuel AF-1, Obama greeted and spoke with Gen. Frank Gorenc, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander, and 86th Airlift Wing commander, Brig. Gen. Patrick X. Mordente.

"Supporting the president is a no-fail mission," said Mordente. "I am extremely proud of the 86th AW and Team Ramstein for providing outstanding support for the commander in chief and making this mission a success."

Although the visit was a surprise for the wounded warriors, being able to sit down in such an intimate setting with the president it was one experience they said they would never forget.

"It meant so much to me that he took time out to visit with just the wounded warriors," said Lakin. "I was expecting to just listen to him speak in a huge room with a hundred people, but he sat down with us and talked to us one on one. He even asked us to say hello to our families back home. I'll never forget that."

President Obama departed Ramstein to return home to the White House in Washington D.C. March 29.

Hagel Begins Asia-Pacific Trip With U.S.-ASEAN Forum

By Cheryl Pellerin

American Forces Press Service

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md., April 1, 2014 – Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel begins his fourth official trip to the Asia-Pacific region today with a stop in Honolulu for the first U.S.-hosted U.S.-ASEAN Defense Forum, an informal meeting of the defense ministers of 10 countries that make up the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

ASEAN member nations are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

During a Pentagon briefing for reporters yesterday afternoon, Hagel said the important 10-day trip will include visits with government and defense leaders in Japan, China and Mongolia, and will reemphasize the U.S. rebalance to the Asia-Pacific region and the nation’s strategic interests there.

The trip, he added, will “make very clear of our commitment to our allies in the Asia-Pacific and … give us an opportunity to talk specifically about some of the issues we're dealing with in the Asia-Pacific -- the security challenges, the issues that are of concern to peace, prosperity and the future of that region.”

Hagel said the United States has been a Pacific power for many years and U.S. government and defense leaders look forward to continuing to build those relationships and partnerships in the region in the years ahead.

“Security and stability are key anchors for prosperity and economic development,” the secretary said, “and we rebalance to the Asia-Pacific with all of those different responsibilities and dimensions as our focus.”

Tremendous progress made in the Asia-Pacific over the last few years has been the result of security, Hagel said. Issues and questions remain, he added, but the region has prospered because its citizens have worked through many of their differences peacefully.

“ASEAN is a critically important part of that,” he said, “so [it’s important] to have the 10 ASEAN defense ministers in Hawaii, on United States soil, and I'm looking forward to that meeting with my ASEAN counterparts.”

The United States showed support for the formal ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting, or ADMM, when then-Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates first attended an ADMM-Plus meeting in 2010.

This meeting includes defense ministers from the 10 ASEAN member nations and those from eight nations ASEAN calls Dialog Partners -- Australia, China, Japan, India, South Korea, New Zealand, Russia, and the United States.

The ADMM-Plus is an action-oriented group that focuses on tangible initiatives in which the 18 nations’ military and defense institutions work together in practical ways that help build trust, cohesion and cooperation.

Also at the Pentagon yesterday, senior defense officials discussed the secretary’s upcoming 2.5-day informal meeting with the ASEAN defense ministers in Honolulu and the opportunities such a forum would hold for each attendee.

“ASEAN is an important affirmative investment for the United States,” a defense official said. “We view ASEAN as a central and strategic player in the region, and this trip, and this particular informal meeting we're hosting in Hawaii, is an opportunity to express that.”

The official added, “It's a symbolic of the investments we're making as we work to build toward a stronger regional security architecture overall.”

The ASEAN Defense Forum will have three main segments, the senior defense officials said.

First is a humanitarian-assistance and disaster-response roundtable co-chaired by Hagel and U.S. Agency for International Development Administrator Dr. Rajiv Shah.

The second piece is a series of site visits to military bases and to a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration tsunami-threat and detection facility.

The third piece is informal dialogue among the ministers on the final day of the forum.

“We have our own experiences with whole-of-government approaches to solving some of these challenges,” a senior defense official said, “and it's going to require that we build strong partnerships not just between militaries but among civilian agencies and across the militaries with the private sector.”

Tragic events like Typhoon Haiyan, which killed more than 6,000 people in the Philippines last November, and the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, with 229 people onboard -- both of which attracted massive international assistance -- “are making it more apparent that we have to cooperate, we have to share information and be transparent,” the official added.

U.S. soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines were on the ground in the Philippines, and the Navy has been helping in the search for the missing Boeing 777-200ER aircraft nearly since the flight went missing on March 8, less than an hour after takeoff.

At the briefing yesterday, Hagel said he’s spoken twice in the past week to Malaysian Defense and Acting Transport Minister Hishammuddin Hussein. Malaysia, along with Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines and Thailand, is one of the founding members of ASEAN.

“In both instances, when he's requested assistance, we have provided that assistance,” said Hagel, adding, “Some of the latest equipment being the pinger locator, which I think has left on an Australian ship headed toward this vast area where we all think we may have identified something.”

The secretary added, “We have provided, as far as I know, everything the Malaysian government has requested of us.”

If the transport minister makes additional requests, Hagel said, “I certainly will listen carefully to whatever those are. I think the Australians now are in the lead on this and they've been doing a tremendous job. We're providing everything we can provide, as are other countries.”

Joint Logistics Over the Shore: Soldier, Sailors integrate into Alaska Shield 2014

by SPC Ryan Swanson
364th Press Camp Headquarters

3/29/2014 - ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- A military tugboat was one of many items lifted off a U.S. Navy cargo ship at the Port of Anchorage Thursday, March 27. The tug will be used to help establish a Joint Logistics Over The Shore operation to move military and disaster relief supplies into the area.

The ship's arrival is one of many activities at the Port of Anchorage and throughout the region underway as part of Alaska Shield, a large disaster response exercise run by the State of Alaska in partnership with Federal, Local and military partners.

"What you saw was the offload on one United States Army small tug off the USNS Mendonca, " said 1st Lt. Eric Heinemann, executive officer for the 331st Transportation Company, (Modular Causeway) 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary), at Fort Eustis, Va. The 7th Brigade is responsible for reestablishing the port and managing the flow of supplies and equipment to the relief efforts in the exercise.

The scenario for Alaska Shield is modeled after the 1964 earthquake and resulting tsunamis that devastated Anchorage and surrounding areas. This portion of the exercise simulates that the Port of Anchorage is severely damaged requiring the assistance of military equipment and personnel to reestablish critical capabilities including fuel transport and storage, establishing temporary piers, and unloading cargo from large ships anchored in the harbor onto smaller vessels that can come closer to shore.

"If this pier is not accessible to a deep tract vessel, due to the earthquake shifting the ocean floor up, we can discharge cargo offshore and have a smaller draft vessel such as the Landing Support Vessel come to the pier instead and offload supplies," said Heinemann.

The exercise is scheduled to continue through early April and involves more than 7,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Airman, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen.

SABC training: preserving life, limb and eyesight

by By Staff Sgt. Amber E. N. Jacobs
18th Wing Public Affairs

3/31/2014 - KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Imagine you and a wingman are deployed and your base has undergone heavy rocket fire all day. As you finish up a post attack reconnaissance sweep you notice an Airman lying on the ground, bleeding -- what do you do?

Knowing how to perform Self-Aid and Buddy Care immediately after a traumatic event can literally be the difference between life and death in a combat situation.

"Self-Aid and Buddy Care is comparable to basic first aid care," said Master Sgt. Rikina Gunter, 18th Medical Group SABC advisor. "The goal is, after an attack, to be able to first treat yourself to some point, and then your wingman."

Air Force members get their first taste of SABC while in Basic Military Training. After graduating, Airmen continue hands-on training on everything from applying a tourniquet to learning proper bandaging techniques. Airmen are required to complete annual or pre-deployment training both online and in the classroom.

As part of the hands-on SABC training, Airmen go over the contents of an Individual First Aid Kit. SABC focuses on how to use the items from the kit to help individuals get a medical emergency under control until help arrives.

When Airmen deploy, one of the items available to them is an IFAK, Gunter said. Being familiar with the items in the kit and knowing how to properly use them is crucial when working in a remote location, especially when resources are scarce.

The hands-on portion of the training provides Airmen an opportunity to learn how to use items within the kit, such as bandages, nasopharyngeal airways and tourniquets.

"When we deploy, we only get so much in the IFAKs so Airmen will have to improvise," Gunter explained. "It's important to know the training. For example, they can use their uniform belt as a tourniquet, something that can tie and just hold the bleeding as long as it works and it is within the correct measurements."

SABC is a perishable skill, so Airmen have to take the classroom portion of the training every two years.

Tech. Sgt. Shawn Gilman, 18th Medical Operations Squadron NCO in charge of ambulance services, said, it is important that young Airmen receive the training regularly. It can be difficult for new Airmen to remember life-saving skills while trying to learn the Air Force and a new job. By continually practicing SABC training, the skills become second nature. So when an Airman is confronted with a medical emergency he or she is familiar with the techniques and can potentially save someone's life.

By continuously practicing SABC training, Airmen learn how to keep calm in an emergency situation.

"Remember that your IQ never goes up in an emergency situation, it only goes down," Gilman explained. "By doing your training ahead of time and really listening and paying attention, Self-Aid and Buddy Care is actually going to help you when you get into an emergency situation."

For more information about SABC, contact the 18th Medical Group Education and Training Center at 634-1994 or ask your squadron's SABC instructor.

Ready, resilient, prepared

by Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez-Domitilo
35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

3/31/2014 - MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan  -- The U.S. Air Force's mission of combat-readiness worldwide requires Airmen who are capable, responsible, and comprehensibly fit, both mentally and physically.

Short-notice deployments, temporary duty assignments, and unexpected relocations can often have Airmen scrambling to get their ducks in a row before departing. With a long checklist of objectives to accomplish, time is a commodity not to be wasted.

There are a few items Airmen should consider updating or arranging when at home-station to avoid rushing at the last minute. Such items include a member's finances, Virtual Record of Emergency Data, Family Care Plan, Servicemembers Group Life Insurance paperwork, and Power of Attorneys.

While not taking care of some of these items is unlikely to cancel a deployment or TDY, Tech. Sgt. Keya Gipson, 35th Force Support Squadron readiness NCO, says it is something that can become a hassle to deal with if deployed to remote areas where communication is not easily accessible.

POAs are especially important and necessary for simple, yet overlooked things, like issuing identification cards, veterinary visits, vehicle transfers and placing a stop to mail. Spouses may think they can take responsibility of these matters, but, in reality, they need a POA from the service member sponsor.

Karen Jorgenson, American Red Cross station manager for Misawa Air Base, Japan, explains that her organization does its best to educate Airmen on the importance of understanding preparedness and communication among family before deploying.

If an emergency were to happen during a deployment, they can provide communication assistance; however, if a service member doesn't provide specific contact information to family, it can be difficult to make that communication happen. Airmen should also ensure their spouse or loved ones know their social security number, birth date, unit, and deployment unit.

For single Airmen who reside in the dorms, it is useful to know what will happen to their vehicle if they are gone for an extended period of time. If they trust someone to safeguard their belongings, they should know that POAs will be required, explained Gipson.

"It is also important for Airmen to get their vRED and SGLI updated," continues Gipson. "Both systems are different, so you want get those updated to ensure the right beneficiaries are getting what is allotted to them."

These programs document next-of-kin casualty notifications, as well as life insurance payout information.

Another vital readiness item to accomplish for those overseas with family is a family care plan and their noncombatant evacuation operation folder.

"If a natural disaster strikes or a crisis occurs, we have to get the dependants to safe ground," explained Gipson.

NEO folders contain an inventory of personal property and other documents with information on where and with whom family members will go, since service members are likely to stay on station.

Having finances in order is also part of personal readiness because it can ease the mind and ensure Airmen are focused on the mission without distractions. There are methods to ensure bills are paid automatically and the Airman and Family Readiness Center is always willing to help, said Gipson.

"Whether it's setting up a Thrift Savings Plan or outlining a budget, we have financial counselors available," said Gipson.

At the end of the day, all these resources are about maintaining resilient Airmen across the spectrum of the entire Air Force.

Like Chief Master Sgt. Steve K. McDonald, Command Chief Master Sergeant for Pacific Air Forces, says, "Each of us has an important role to play in maintaining security and stability in the Pacific. We must remain resilient, focused on our mission and taking care of each other."

535th Airlift Squadron Auditorium rededicated to fallen Airman

by Tech. Sgt. Terri Paden
15th Wing Public Affairs

3/28/2014 - JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii  -- The 535th Airlift Squadron auditorium was officially renamed the Hollister Auditorium in a dedication ceremony on JBPHH March 28.

The room was named after fallen comrade, Staff Sgt. Robert "Danny" Hollister, a loadmaster assigned to the 535th AS, who lost his life in the line of duty March 13, 2012, while participating in Exercise COPE TIGER in Udon Thani, Thailand.

During the ceremony, Hollister was recognized for flying more than 2, 500 hours, including 300 combat hours, while flying more than 550 sorties in his six-year tenure with the unit and the Air Force.

"We did this dedication to honor his memory and show his family that his legacy will live on," said Capt. Rush Taylor, 15th Operations Support Squadron wing training chief. "We want his family to know how amazing of a person Danny was and this is one way to do that."

Hollister was remembered as an "outstanding NCO and loadmaster" by the more than 75 of his friends, family and co-workers in attendance.

Lt. Col. Patrick Winstead, former 535th AS commander, described Hollister as the "cream of the crop," during his tribute, saying, "He was a great American, great loadmaster, great Airman and great man."

Winstead said professionally, Hollister was his go-to Airman when he needed things done, but he was also a "good guy."

"He cared about everyone, he loved his family, he loved his heritage ... he loved people," he said.

As Winstead reminisced about his time working as Hollister's squadron commander, he told the audience several accounts of Hollister's selfless acts of service and dedication to duty.

Hollister was also remembered by his father, Tony Robert Hollister, who flew to JBPHH with his wife, Ann-Marie Hollister and daughter Toni-Marie Hollister to attend the ceremony.

"It is a great honor and privilege to be a part of this momentous occasion," he said. "To be here where my son sacrificed for our freedoms is an honor. Speaking on behalf of my wife and daughters we express our deepest heartfelt thanks."

Though Hollister distinguished himself as exceptional Airman, he is also remembered for being a good friend.

"He was a lot of fun ... always smiling, always very joyful ... kind of like a big kid,"said Staff Sgt. Keith Roscoe, a loadmaster assigned to the 535th AS and long-time friend of Hollister.

Roscoe said it will be "awesome" to walk past the newly dedicated auditorium and remember his friend, but the best part about it, he said, will be the legacy left for his two children.

"I think about his boys walking into the auditorium or walking down the halls of the squadron and seeing the plaques," he said. "Every time they see a flight suit or a 535th patch they will think of their dad, and so, we're all representing Danny in that way."

Alaska Shield 14: When disaster disables phone and Internet, military and local groups help make the link

by SPC True Thao
364th Press Camp Headquarters

3/29/2014 - VALDEZ, Alaska -- The city of Valdez participated in Alaska Shield 14, a disaster exercise hosted by State of Alaska Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management with federal, state, local community, and Non-Government Organization participation. The exercise started with an aftershock that put the city into a communication blackout - no phones or internet connections.

Local officials worked with amateur radio operators to help re-gain communication with the outside world.

"We are providing amateur radio support for Alaska Shield 2014," said Robert Rountree, president of the amateur radio club. "We have an amateur radio group here in town that provides emergency communications." Rountree said that the group's purpose is to respond to emergencies just like those in the exercise scenario.

Amateur radio communication allows local citizens to ask for emergency aid if needed. Once a message is received by the Emergency Operation Center, the group works closely with Joint Task Force Alaska to re-establish communication across the affected regions.

To aid the city, Joint Task Force Alaska, mobilized the Alaska Land Mobile Radio (ALMR) transportable system that was able to reestablish phone communications.

"We are here to provide the critical communications capabilities required for the citizens to do their jobs," said Tim Woddall, ALMR military liaison with Joint Task Force Alaska.

The ALMR systems provide Alaskan public safety first responders with interoperable communications that are cost effective and reliable. Having this type of equipment allows citizens to have access to the Internet and use of their cell phones. The ALRM transportable also minimizes the wait time when trying to contact loved ones.

"During an emergency operation, we can bring this in and increase the loading capacity, which means we can allow more users to operate without having busy signals," said Woddall.

The state of Alaska also assisted the city of Valdez by deploying the National Guard's 128th Air Control Squadron from Volk Field Air National Guard Base, located near Camp Douglas in Wisc., which reestablished secure communications using the Joint Incident Site Communication Capability system. JISCC provides on-site and reach-back communications capabilities for enhanced command and control and shared situational awareness among first responders, along with state and federal command authorities and centers.

"Our mission here is to help this emergency operation center do its communications," said Senior Master Sgt. Charles Rydmark, the Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of the 128th ACS team.

Using the JISCC systems allows the 128th ACS to cross-patch radios, according to Rydmark, enabling communication between the local law enforcement and the military. This type of equipment carries and enhances communication networks where it may be limited or where there is none.

"We've got to that day and age where everything is digital. And we can bring that communication to anywhere in the world no matter what," said Rydmark. "That's our mission."

Working together, these military and civilian capabilities will help local authorities establish vital communications links to enable successful response, recovery, and ongoing incident management operations.

Alaska Shield is a State of Alaska, U.S. Government, joint military, and local government disaster exercise designed to enhance cooperation and response to a large earthquake in the region. The exercise is designed on the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake that devastated south central Alaska including Valdez.