WWII vet visits AAFB, recounts events that led to island liberation on anniversary

by Staff Sgt. Melissa B. White
36th Wing Public Affairs

7/18/2013 - ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- A World War II veteran visited the base July 17 as part of a trip to the island for a celebration of the historic event he was part of 69 years ago.

Former Marine Pfc. William Mays, an amphibious tractor crewman during the war, helped storm the beaches of Guam July 21, 1944, to liberate the island from Japanese control, and now he's back to honor the day during the island-wide Liberation Day events.

Japanese forces invaded the lightly defended island shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in December 1941 and occupied Guam until 36,000 U.S. service members officially took back the U.S. territory Aug. 10, 1944, after a 21-day battle.

Mays took some time out of his busy schedule of attending village memorial events to come by Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, and visit with some Airmen and Marines during his weeklong visit to the island.

"I learned a lot about what they did to take back the island during the war," said Capt. Mike Sydney, 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron B-52 Stratofortress copilot. "It's a humbling experience to bring him out here and show him what he has fought for, what we do and how we continue to defend this land he fought for during the liberation of the island."

Mays visited the 36th Operations Support Squadron, the three Marine units temporarily assigned here from Japan and South Carolina with their F/A-18 Hornets, and a B-52 Stratofortress assigned to the 23rd EBS, which is a unit deployed here from Minot Air Force Base, N.D.

"It's overwhelming to look at all of this," Mays said of current military operations on Guam. "These are the people out here protecting our country right now and it's just amazing."

While visiting with the Airmen and Marines, Mays also recounted some of his memories from the fateful day on the shores of Guam and the battle it ensued.

"They were intense things in my life," Mays recalled. "About the fourth day during the shelling, I was about the most scared in my life. We stood up and there was a big hole and the dirt and sand was still raining down on us afterward. So you can see, we thought we were going to die."

This is his second visit to the island since WWII for the anniversary of Liberation Day, and he also said it will probably be his last due to his physical limitations. His first return for the events was in 1994, an experience he said was much different compared to his visit this year where he is the only liberation veteran visiting this year as the guest of honor for Guam's memorials and celebrations.

" ... (My previous visit was) nothing compared to the attention they give me now," Mays said. "It feels good to be a part of that and these people are so appreciative that I just wanted to come down here and see it."

Mays said he feels honored to play an important role in this year's events, but he maintains he was just an average man doing his job who was put in an extraordinary situation. He also said he feels humbled by the experiences and appreciation.

Liberation Day events will conclude with an island-wide parade downtown July 21, the official 69th anniversary of the start of the battle to reclaim Guam as American land.

From Staff Sgt. to Stormtrooper: A sergeant's creative way to volunteer

by Air Force Staff Sgt. Zachary Wolf
JBER Public Affairs

7/17/2013 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- In a galaxy not so far away, there is a special room in a children's hospital filled with children of all ages. Today, they have looks of excitement on their faces. Today, they get to meet Darth Vader and his Stormtroopers. The children's faces light up as more costumed volunteers walk in dressed like Imperial Officers, Biker Scouts, and even bounty hunters like Boba Fett.

The joy and excitement in the room are very real, and it's that reaction that inspires a Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Airman to suit up and head out to volunteer in the community.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Patrick Walsh, a Fitzgerald, Ga. native, works at the 673d Communications Squadron as a cyber transport supervisor. The 11-year veteran joined a local chapter of the 501st Legion, "Vader's Fist" initially due to his interest in the Star Wars movie franchise, but it morphed into something more.

"Back in 2002, I was stationed at Ramstein (Air Base, Germany) and got word of a gaming conference down at Leipzig, so I went down there and right outside, I ran into a group of Stormtroopers, Boba Fett, and Darth Vader," Walsh said.

Walsh asked where they got their costumes and learned they had made them themselves.

"After I left, I searched online for a costume and over the years, it never materialized," Walsh said. "It's always been 'One day I will be a Stormtrooper.'"

Two years ago, Walsh bought a Stormtrooper kit on impulse and decided to look up the 501st Legion to get help setting it up.

Walsh introduced himself to the local 501st Alaskan Outpost, Aurora Borealis, to get some local help. While he was getting advice, he also got to know the people in the group.

During his first two years at JBER, Walsh started attending events as a handler, where he would make sure the people in costumes had what they needed, like water, and help them put on their costumes and walk around as some of the costumes have limited visibility.

"In these two years, I learned what the 501st actually does, which made me want to be an official member even more," Walsh said.

But the defining moment that cemented his desire came on Halloween 2011.

"It was Anchorage Trick-or-Treat about two and a half years ago and I was doing handler duties," Walsh said. "It was this little girl, maybe 2 or 3 years old, who walked up to Lisa, an outpost member at the time, who was wearing Boushh-which is the bounty hunter outfit Princess Leia wore when she went to go save Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt. This little girl walked up and just stood there for a second. I was like 'What's going on?' Lisa got down to one knee and the little girl gave her a huge hug."

"Just seeing some of the reactions when you are at an event, you've got some kids where you can just see the wheels turning-- their imaginations are just going wild. You have some who are scared and run off and some that just stare at you. It's not just kids. You have adults, too, that say 'Ooh a Stormtrooper! Let me get a picture with him.'"

So Walsh officially became one of the 6,400 active members worldwide. In the Legion, he is known as TK 56537.

There are three basic goals for the Legion. The first is to promote interest in Star Wars. The creativity of the members building replica costumes encourages fans to get together and share their love of Star Wars with the public and other fans.

The second goal is to use the costumes they create. They encourage wearing the costumes rather than just having them sit on a shelf somewhere. Some people collect things and want them to stay in "mint condition," for value, but for the 501st, the value is in wearing the costume and sharing that joy with others.

The third goal is to contribute to the local community. Members do this through fundraising, charity work and volunteering. The most recognized work the members of the 501st do is with the Make-A-Wish foundation, bringing a light of happiness to the lives of children who are ill.

It's the volunteerism that draws a lot of people to be a part of "Vader's Fist."

"The 501st is 100 percent volunteers," Walsh said. "No one gets paid anything."

According to 501st officials, in 2011 they raised more than $270,000 in direct charitable donations and participated in events that helped raise $11.6 million worldwide.

"The volunteer portion appeals to me more than actually creating the costumes, going to the conventions and all that," Walsh said. "It is that aspect that really made me want to get into the 501st."

Walsh has participated in different local events around the Anchorage area as part of the Aurora Borealis Outpost. He volunteered for multiple Anchorage Trick-or-Treat celebrations, the Military Appreciation Day Picnic, Star Wars Read Day, and even a fundraiser for an animal shelter.

"It's a hobby, it's fun, and it's just one of those things where I found a way to volunteer in a way I actually enjoy," Walsh said.

This sentiment was echoed by Master Sgt. Paul Thomas, 673d Communications Squadron cyber transport section chief. Thomas said that he was not initially aware of how much of a role Star Wars played in Walsh's life, but after talking with him about it, it became very apparent.

"I became aware that he would volunteer his off duty time wearing his costume to support fundraisers and provide entertainment," Thomas said. "If you talk to Sergeant Walsh about the events he supports, your initial thought is 'Wow, you are engaged in an event almost every month; this is like a year-round gig.'"

Volunteering looks great on an Enlisted Performance Report in the Air Force, but that's not why Walsh volunteers these days.

"I was one of those guys that just did whatever volunteer events I needed to do just to fill the spot on the EPR, but since I started working with the outpost members, the 501st, I found myself doing a lot more volunteer stuff and actually enjoying it," Walsh said.
"One of the things I admire about Sergeant Walsh is that he volunteers because he enjoys it, and because of this, he inspires others," Thomas said.

Not only do his actions inspire others, but Walsh encourages the Airmen he supervises to take a page out of his book.

"There are a lot of volunteer opportunities out there and I have always told the Airmen that I supervise that I am not going to push you to go volunteer just because I want something for your EPR," Walsh said. "I want you to find something that you actually enjoy and volunteer because if you enjoy it, it's actually meaningful to you."

Hagel Calls on Vets to Partner in Reshaping Military

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, July 22, 2013 – Opening his address today to the Veterans of Foreign Wars national convention with a tribute to Korean War veterans, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel called on the nation’s 22 million veterans to become partners in helping the Defense Department work through “historic transition and change.”

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel delivers remarks to attendees of the Veterans of Foreign Wars national convention in Louisville, Ky., July 22, 2013. DOD photo by Glenn Fawcett   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

Every major conflict in U.S. history has been followed by a period of “realignment and redefinition,” with “enormous ramifications and consequences for our entire defense enterprise,” the secretary noted at the convention, being held in Louisville, Ky.

 

As the Defense Department undergoes the latest realignments and reshapes the military for the future, Hagel called on veterans “who helped build our military into the strongest, most capable and most respected on Earth” to help ensure it remains that way.

“All of us at the Pentagon, and across this administration, value your perspective and devotion to our military men and women,” he told the group. “We will need your help and partnership as we manage through a period of historic transition and change.

“As I look out across this audience, I see thousands of veterans whose lives have been committed to helping our service members, their families and our veterans succeed, and to ensuring this country honors their legacy with policies that are worthy of their sacrifices,” Hagel continued. “All of you, and the roughly 22 million veterans across this nation, have an important role to play in the debate over our country’s future national security priorities.”
Hagel pointed out that veterans of past wars depended on their elected representatives to ask the right questions and establish the proper policies before sending them into conflict. “You all have fought and put your lives on the line for this country,” he said. “You did so with the expectation that you would be given the equipment, training and support you needed to succeed.”

The secretary noted that many of the veterans, particularly those of the Korean War, have seen firsthand the human toll of sending a hollow force to war.

“Not one American should ever be ordered into battle without our leaders being as sure as they can be that their decision is worthy of the sacrifices that will be made by our sons and our daughters,” he said.

The secretary began his address leading a thunderous applause for veterans of the Korean War whose service led to the armistice agreement signed 60 years ago this week. Hagel noted that he will join President Barack Obama and Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki for a July 27 ceremony at the Korean War Veterans Memorial here to commemorate the formal signing of the armistice on July 27, 1953.

The armistice agreement ended the fighting in a three-year conflict between North Korea and China and South Korea and United Nations forces led by the United States.

“The upcoming observance is a chance for the country to fully express its profound gratitude for your service and sacrifice,” Hagel told the veterans. “The Korean War veterans here today, and all across the country, should know that your fellow citizens are proud of what you accomplished, and what your generation has contributed to our security and prosperity.”

Extraordinary medical breakthroughs; Air Force makes them possible

by Alexis Culver
59th Medical Wing Public Affairs

7/19/2013 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- Imagine a world with no cellphones, computers or electricity; no television to watch your favorite sitcom, and no cars to meet up with your friends or medicine to cure you when you're sick.

Many aspects of our lives would cease to exist without science and technology; the lives of today's warfighters are no different. They rely on the 59th Medical Wing's Chief Scientist's Office, more commonly referred to as the Science and Technology Division (ST), to sustain their health and performance.

Located at the Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, ST employs innovative technologies to sustain service members' health and performance. These warriors devote their lives to fighting for our country while 59th MDW Chief Scientist Dr. Debra Niemeyer and members of the Science and Technology Division devote their lives to improving care for them.

"We help support and drive research that changes how we conduct medicine and transform health care," Niemeyer said. "We support our clinicians, staff, and many investigators in performing research that will actually change how we care for our patient population."

The office supports research in several areas such as statistics, program management, scientific reviews, and budget analysis. Additionally, it ensures both major commands and principle investigators are up to date on the latest Air Force and wing research policies, submission processes, and opportunities for funding.

A recent breakthrough involves saving the critically ill who are being flown half-way around the world to more definitive care here in San Antonio.

ST helped Lt. Col. (Dr.) Jeremy Cannon, the chief of trauma and acute care surgery at the San Antonio Military Medical Center, located at nearby Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, to obtain funding for the Defense Medical Research and Development Program. The program supports adult extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation. Commonly known as adult ECMO, it's a heart-lung bypass system that keeps patients who are severely wounded or extremely ill alive during global transport.

The ECMO mission here is the only one in the Department of Defense. A joint military medical team recently completed the longest ECMO patient transfer ever recorded - a 5,000-mile mission and the first transatlantic flight of an adult patient hooked to an external lung.

"The Science and Technology Division was able to identify the capability gap and then the source of funding; then match my proposal together with the capability gap and use this funding to establish the initial capability to support our Air Force and Joint Medical Combat Causality Care needs," Cannon said. "We would not have been able to do any of this, meaning proof of concept - setting up an adult ECMO team for the Department of Defense and saving the lives of now five patients."

Niemeyer said the adult ECMO program allows our medics to transport severely injured or ill patients from overseas battle zones to medical facilities here, and then from these facilities to others within the United States or around the world.

"We've been able to transport both wounded warriors and beneficiaries because they receive in-transit medical care that ordinarily would not be available if the technology did not exist," she said.

It is also through education, training and research that ST improves patient care, and the division continues to make progress.

"We have numerous protocols funded with two-year research dollars that have resulted in improvements to patient care. For example, working with Lt. Col. (Dr.) Chad Hivnor, 59th Medical Wing dermatology residency program director, in supporting fractionated laser technology to help improve movement for wounded warriors who have experienced burn injuries," Niemeyer said. "He's been able to use a laser approach to help improve mobility and reduce scarring so that individuals can have prosthetic devices that are fitted more appropriately."

The most rewarding aspect of being able to use laser technology to treat wounded warriors scars is building relationships with them, Hivnor said.

"Our inclusive care of amputations with laser hair removal and Botox as well as our lasers afford full encompassing care to our warriors," he said. "The relationships formed with these individuals allow me to help them recover by the subtle things I can do, but more importantly to care about them as an individual and an American."

Niemeyer said teamwork was critical in achieving any of breakthroughs.

"I have a very talented team of individuals with a tremendous amount of expertise who are here to assist our investigators in ensuring that their ideas get the paper. We are here to help them find the dollars to get their research funded," she said.

"We've had tremendous support from our senior-most leadership, from General Travis (U.S. Air Force Surgeon General Lt. Gen. Thomas Travis) and General Hepburn (Maj. Gen. Byron Hepburn, commander of the 59th MDW and director of the San Antonio Military Health System)," said Niemeyer. "They are strong advocates for ensuring that people understand research is a very important part of our medical mission."

"Furthermore," she said, "without strong coordination across the wing from resource management, logistics and contracts support to the staff at the 59th Clinical Research Division, and collaboration with our SAMMC partners, particularly the Department of Clinical Investigations, these breakthroughs in patient care would not be possible."

Deployed Marine Aspires to Be Drill Instructor

By Marine Corps Cpl. Kyle N. Runnels
26th Marine Expeditionary Unit

ABOARD USS KEARSARGE AT SEA, July 22, 2013 – A 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit noncommissioned officer hopes to gain experience in his deployment aboard USS Kearsarge that will benefit future Marines.

Marine Corps Sgt. William Repass joins a working party securing lines between the USS Kearsarge and the USNS Patuxent in preparation for a replenishment at sea, July 20, 2013. Repass aspires to be a Marine Corps drill instructor. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kyle N. Runnels   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

Sgt. William Repass, 26th MEU assistant headquarters commandant said he plans to become a drill instructor to infuse the military mindset of leadership, initiative and discipline into the hearts of Marine Corps recruits.

“I wanted to be a drill instructor ever since I set foot on Parris Island,” Repass said. “Ever since I saw them, I knew I would spend time in my Marine Corps career as a drill instructor.
“I love everything about them,” he continued. “I love how it is the first thing you see when you first get off the bus and you think to yourself, ‘That is what a Marine is.’ I want to train recruits to be Marines -- to take an ordinary civilian and mold them into what the Marine Corps’ expectations are. I think there is no greater thing you could do for the Marine Corps than to actually make people into Marines.”

Repass said one of the biggest things he hopes to impart is the importance of integrity.

Passing up traditional re-enlistment incentives, such as money or the option to choose one’s duty station, Repass chose to deploy with the 26th MEU in order to gain the skills he needed to be better able to teach Marines in the future.

“In my eyes, in order to teach people how to be a Marine, you have to have certain things accomplished in your career, and deploying for me was one of those things,” he said. “Now, when I become a drill instructor, I’ll have a deployment under my belt, and when the recruits ask me questions about deployments I will be able to answer it from firsthand experience.”

During his deployment, Repass is coordinating and controlling groups of Marines, something he said is crucial for a drill instructor to be able to accomplish.

“As police sergeant, he is responsible for all life support activities for the MEU,” said Marine Corps Master Sgt. John Collins, 26th MEU headquarters commandant. “He coordinates trash removal, maintenance requests, cleanliness, ships taxes and any other tasks that affect cleanliness by reporting of maintenance issues. ... [Repass] has become my right hand man and can assist me with many of my tasks.”

Since joining the 26th MEU shortly before their deployment, Repass has made his presence known. His preferred leadership style is leading from the front. If he is not giving instruction or passing information, it is not unusual to see him working side by side with everyone else.

“When you are trying to get a group of people to do the exact same thing, it is kind of hard, because not everybody understands what needs to happen,” Repass said. “If I show them firsthand what exactly needs to be done by actually doing it, there is far less room for error. I find it is also encouraging to show the Marines the job needs to get done, regardless of who is doing it. If I can do it, they can, too.”

Bolstering Spirits in the Year of the B-2

by Airman 1st Class Joseph Raatz
Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs

7/22/2013 - BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- The Air Force's fleet of B-2 Spirit multi-role bombers will receive defensive system upgrades that will further increase the survivability and effectiveness of the aircraft.

The Defensive Management System Modernization program, or DMS-M, will upgrade or replace the Electronic Support Measure suite, passive antennas and display processors, as well as address sustainability concerns.

"The new antennas are going to increase the frequency coverage," said William Keen, B-2 deputy program element monitor and program analyst.

This increased coverage will provide the B-2 with greater threat detection and identification capabilities, Keen said.

Greater ability to detect and identify potential threats will aid in keeping the aircrew and aircraft safe.

The antenna arrays included in the DMS-M will be coupled with new avionics graphics processors, give the pilots a visual display of the information provided by the antennas.

According to Keen, the current processors will not be able to meet the performance needs of the new antenna system, so they must be replaced.

"The graphics processors allow the visual display to cue the pilots to react to threats," said Master Sgt. Domnick Janitell, B-2 command avionics manager. "The new threats we face today are more complex and the new receiver processors will be able to analyze those more complex signals."

The DMS-M will also remedy the sustainability concerns of the B-2.

"The currently fielded system has a lot of sustainment issues," Keen said. "We need more spare parts and we need better repair capabilities."

The B-2 uses line replaceable units, or LRUs, which are modular components that are designed to be quickly repaired or replaced at an operating location. However, many of these LRUs have been consumed over the life of the aircraft.

Janitell added that there are 20 year-old components used in the platform that are no longer able to be repaired.

"We just don't have the parts we need," Keen said.

The upgrades covered by DMS-M aim to address these sustainability issues in part by streamlining the LRUs from a current total of 23 to 15 new, more capable versions. This reorganization may make repairs easier and less time consuming for maintenance crews.

Once completed, the DMS-M program will provide the Joint Force Commander and the B-2 fleet with advanced situational awareness, improved supportability, enhanced lethality, increased platform survivability and networked battlespace awareness.

Under the project's current timeline, a contract is projected to be awarded in mid-2014, Keen said. The DMS-M program will then enter a phase known as Engineering and Manufacturing Development wherein the components will be required to meet certain standards before going into full production.

The B-2 Spirit is considered one of the world's most advanced and formidable aircraft. Projects such as DMS-M keep the B-2 viable as THE platform that ensures no adversary can find safe haven anywhere, Keen said.

Beale removes fuel storage tanks that kept Blackbird soaring

by Staff Sgt. Robert M. Trujillo
9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs

7/22/2013 - BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Beale is conducting a four-month deconstruction project to remove Cold War-era fuel storage tanks that once fueled the SR-71 Blackbird.

The project is a part of the Air Force's "20/20 by 2020" initiative, which aims to reduce excess capacity by reducing a base's footprint, as well as reducing operating costs by 20 percent by the year 2020.

Three of the storage tanks have already been removed, and the remaining two are scheduled to be demolished in the upcoming months.

During the mid-1960s, Beale was home to jets that required massive amounts of fuel including the Blackbird.

Five tanks at Beale's fuel terminal held between 400,000 and 657,000 gallons each of specially designed JP-7 jet fuel. This fuel was developed by the U.S. Air Force to power the SR-71 and was brought to the fuel terminal via a locomotive system.

The fuel was then pumped through a 4.5 mile-long pipeline to the flight line where the Blackbird consumed approximately 36,000 to 44,000 pounds of fuel per hour of flight.

The tanks became cold war relics with the retirement of the SR-71 in 1998 and coupled with the transfer of the B-52 Stratofortress bomber and KC-135 Stratotanker air refueling missions to other bases.

"They're kind of historic structures," said Robert Nordhal, 9th Civil Engineer Squadron flight chief of programs. "We just don't have the need for high capacity fuel storage anymore."

Nordhal said that unused structures cost the Air Force in maintenance and repairs as well as pose safety concerns.

"These tanks were not fitted with modern safety features," said Mark Hoover, fuels terminal superintendent with AKIMA Technical Solutions. "It would cost more for us to upgrade those tanks then to build new ones."

In addition to maintenance and repair costs, Beale will also save in the demolition of the tanks themselves.

"The scrap metal from the tanks is being recycled and is being used to fund the demolition," Hoover said. "It's essentially saving the Air Force tens of thousands of dollars.

Face of Defense: Quality Surveillance Techs Safeguard Fuel, Oxygen

By Air Force Senior Airman Bahja J. Jones
379th Air Expeditionary Wing

SOUTHWEST ASIA, July 19, 2013 – Aircrew members depend on several moving parts to ensure an aircraft is properly maintained and prepped for a safe mission. A part of this preparation is ensuring that the fuel and oxygen within the aircraft are safe and free of contaminates that could negatively affect the mission.

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Thomas Capaldo inserts test tubes into a device that conducts a sulfur analysis on fuels at the 379th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron Air Force Petroleum Laboratory in Southwest Asia, June 12, 2013. The test is one of 15 conducted to ensure the quality of fuels used on aircraft throughout the area of responsibility. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Bahja J. Jones   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

Airmen at the 379th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron Air Force Petroleum Agency laboratory, or ELRS/AFPA, have a critical mission analyzing aircraft fuel and oxygen samples in support of U.S. Central Command missions.

"Our lab is a world-class facility containing more than $750,000 in equipment, and has the capability to detect trace amounts of contaminates in fuel and oxygen samples," said Air Force Maj. Joshua Kittle, the 379th ELRS/AFPA chief, deployed from Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M.

Fuels-lab airmen conduct tests to ensure the fuel and oxygen is clean, which helps flight crews breathe easier. Once the lab obtains the samples, they run a series of tests to check for signs of contamination. For fuels, they run a total of 15 different tests, and for gases, up to eight. The tests take several hours to complete.

One test requires running fuels through a Jet Fuel Thermal Oxidation Tester, or JFTOT. The JFTOT is intended to simulate the pressure and temperature environment experienced by the fuel as it circulates through an aircraft.

"If we see pressure build-up, it's a sign of contamination," said Air Force Tech. Sgt. Thomas Capaldo, the 379th ERLS/AFPA noncommissioned officer-in-charge of fuels, deployed from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas.

After the samples are analyzed, any test failures are reported to the AFPA technical division at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, which interprets the results and provides corrective action back to the area of responsibility.

"If we weren't here, it would take weeks to complete mission-critical tasks," said Air Force Tech. Sgt. Rocky Sasse, the 379th ELRS/AFPA noncommissioned officer-in-charge of gases, deployed from McConnell Air Force Base, Kan.

"Each sample we test saves the Air Force time and money," Sasse said.

Without the 379th ELRS aerospace fuels lab, the process to have fuels tested would take up to four weeks, and delay critical missions within the area of responsibility, or AOR.

"Fuel can't be used until the area lab says it's okay to put in the aircraft," Kittle said. "If our lab wasn't in the AOR, it could take weeks for that sample to arrive stateside and get tested. Meanwhile, the aircraft would be burning up the fuel already cleared, resulting in a situation where there is no more cleared fuel."

This is the first all-military rotation in the fuels laboratory as the AFPA is typically staffed by civilians.
"[The] AFPA mission is new to us ... this rotation has presented us with some unique learning challenges," Kittle said. "It's given us a chance to see a different side of the Air Force, and opportunities to bring our experiences to the AFPA mission."

Air National Guard weather specialists provide the climate scoop

by 1st Lt. Brandy Fultz
181st Intelligence Wing

7/19/2013 - ALPENA, Mich. -- "Are we flying? Is the evening softball game still on? Can we golf this weekend?"

Many may not be aware, but the 181st Intelligence Wing has a talented group of Airmen, the 113th Weather Flight, who play a crucial role in predicting the weather and its outcome on the mission, morale and other activities.

During annual field training with the 181st IW in Alpena, Mich., members of the weather flight provided vital forecast information to the Michigan Civil Air Patrol, and intelligence wing members conducting domestic operations, incident awareness and assessment training.

The annual training focused on providing analysis and imagery to civilian first responders in the event of a natural disaster or catastrophe.

"We are providing weather briefings to the pilots as they do their missions, and also we are doing resource protection for the entire base," said Tech. Sgt. Eric Moore, 113th Weather Flight meteorological technician. "We will issue observed watches, warnings, and advisories for lightning, tornadoes, and severe weather that may roll through."

Annual training with the 181st IW provides the weather flight a unique opportunity to work primarily with the Air Force, as they typically work with the Army.

"People may not be aware, but we are primarily an Army support unit on the base, so this training gives us the opportunity to really come out with the Air Force and do some Air Force unique training with the aviation assets we normally would not have with an Army infantry brigade unit," said Moore.

Utilizing highly technical equipment similar to what is typically seen in movies or storm chasing videos, the weather flight has several tools to aid in forecasting weather. The forecaster on duty is able to watch a storm develop, predict where severe weather will hit the ground, and dissect a storm, to include the capability of viewing the storm in 3-D.

Wright Visits, Honors Wounded Warriors in San Antonio

By Maria Gallegos
Brooke Army Medical Center

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas, July 19, 2013 – Acting Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Jessica L. (Garfola) Wright honored two soldiers who’d earned the Purple Heart medal and visited with other wounded warriors, families and staff at Brooke Army Medical Center here July 17.

From left: Army Command Sgt. Maj. Marshall Huffman, Southern Regional Medical Command; SRMC Commander Army Maj. Gen. Jimmie Keenan; Army Sgt. Anthony Ayers; Army Spc. Joseph Contreras; and Acting Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Jessica L. (Garfola) Wright, pose after the Purple Heart ceremony held at the Warrior and Family Support Center near Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, July 17, 2013. Wright presented the soldiers their medals at the ceremony. U.S. Army photo by by Rebekah Almquist   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

Wright, who yesterday was nominated by President Barack Obama to become the permanent undersecretary for personnel and readiness, presented Army Sgt. Anthony Ayers and Army Spc. Joseph Contreras with their Purple Heart medals and certificates, while Army Maj. Gen. Jimmie Keenan, commander of Southern Regional Medical Command, was the host for the ceremony.

 

Wright, a retired military veteran with 35 years of service and the mother of a deployed soldier, voiced her admiration for the Purple Heart warriors at the ceremony.

“It’s clearly an honor to be here. I am humbled because I am a former soldier and a mom of a soldier … I am humbled to be here in your presence. Thank you very much for everything you have done,” Wright said.

“The fact that you have given your time and energy and yourself to preserve this intangible gift of freedom that we in the United States enjoy every day -- thank you very much for that,” she added.

Ayers, an infantryman, was conducting a combined dismounted patrol in Afghanistan on May 14 when he was struck by an improvised explosive device. Serving as a tank crewman, Contreras was conducting a mounted patrol in Afghanistan when his vehicle was struck by an IED on Aug. 4, 2011.

Contreras dedicated his Purple Heart medal to his grandfather, who was a World War II veteran.

“I know he would be proud of me right now if he was here,” Contreras said.

Wright saluted all service members who’ve earned the Purple Heart.

“We owe them the honor, we owe them the dedication and the respect -- not just today but every day of their lives,” she said.

Wright said she understands the apprehension that family members feel when a loved one is deployed. But, she said, the U.S. military provides the best medical care, equipment and technology in the world to support its service members.

“As a soldier, I have gone over [to Afghanistan] myself and sent a lot of people over there,” Wright told the reporter. “But as a mom, your heart goes -- and so my son is there and there’s not a moment in the day that I‘m not thinking about him and his safety.”

Following the ceremony, Wright visited with other wounded warriors, their families and staff at the Warrior Transition Battalion, the Center for the Intrepid, Fisher House, the Burn Center and the Emergency Department at San Antonio Military Medical Center. She thanked the warriors, families and staff for their dedication and offered encouragement and gratitude for their service to the nation.

"We couldn't do it without these people who give their time and energy. All of you are truly a gift from God," Wright said.

Wright is the deputy senior policy advisor to the secretary of defense on recruitment, career development and pay and benefits for 1.4 million active duty military personnel, 1.3 million Guard and Reserve personnel, 680,000 Department of Defense civilians, and she is responsible for overseeing the overall state of military readiness.

AFSEC Mentorship Motorcycle Ride

by Tech. Sgt. Kathee Mullins

6/18/2013 - KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The Air Force Safety Center hosted a mentorship motorcycle ride on June 6, 2013. The ride focused on safety and riding capabilities of experienced and novice riders. The ride provided group riding on multi-condition road surfaces, as well as allowing for multiple riders to critique each other on skills and tactics for safe riding.

The day's events began at 8:30 am with a few words from James T. Rubeor, Air Force Safety Center Executive Director, followed by briefings by Mr. Arthur Albert, Motorcycle Program Manager and Mr. Tim Cahill. After the briefings the group assembled for T-CLOCS and personal protective equipment (PPE) inspections.

T-CLOCS is a method of inspecting your motorcycle to make sure the bike is safe to ride. T-CLOCS is a mnemonic developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation for assisting you in doing a comprehensive pre-ride (or a pre-purchase) inspection of a motorcycle. It is easily memorized and very useful. The individual letters stand for the specific areas to check: 

T - Tires & Wheels
C - Controls
L - Lights & Electrics
O - Oil & Other Fluids
C - Chassis
S - Stands

"Mentorship rides often provide a larger dividend by allowing interaction among the riders," said Albert. "Even a very novice rider may provide an invaluable mentoring tidbit on something they experienced, turning their role from a mentored to a mentor. Remember, mentoring is open honest sharing of experiences, both those that work and those that may have ended in not so memorable experience. A good mentor is an excellent listener and feedback coach."

Mentorship rides are used to ensure riders are aware of available training, get a chance to interact with experienced riders and are conscious of proper safety gear and the hazards of riding.

"We put this ride together to give the riders a wide variety of the road issues they meet in this area," said Cahill. "These are high traffic areas, road construction and rural roads and they all present different hazards. Mentoring our less experienced riders is important. If we can save just one person from an accident, then it is time well spent. Today we rode safely through all types of hazards. It's a learning experience."

"There are really three simple steps to having a successful mentoring session: decide what environment and skills to share with other motor cyclists, accomplish a thorough Risk Assessment of the ride and mitigate or reduce as many hazards for those being mentored as you can, while still providing a realistic and challenging ride for the experienced and inexperienced riders," said Albert. And providing feedback sometime during the ride and at the end of the ride on the good things seen and to discuss the not so good things helps rider gain the most from the ride. Remember, everything that happens on the ride is another opportunity to be a good Wingman and to encourage good risk management."

The Mentorship Ride acknowledges daily occurrences that all riders experience on a regular basis and how to deal with them safely and confidently. It gives riders a chance to ride in a group which has more eyes and a wide level of experiences throughout riders to critique, correct, foster, and mentor all riders. The wide variety of experience ranges from the novice rider to the experienced rider and gives is an excellent chance for all riders to gain from the participation.

"There were many riders of all kinds of motorcycles, they met and made new friendships and learned safe motor cycling skills. It was a win-win for everyone!" said Cahill.

"Mentoring involves more than just going on a ride with other experienced and inexperienced riders. It is a sharing of knowledge and lessons learned from one rider to another that truly exemplify mentorship," said Albert.

Martin assumes command of 60th Air Mobility Wing

by Nick DeCicco
60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

7/19/2013 - TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  -- Col. Corey Martin assumed command of the 60th Air Mobility Wing from Col. Dwight Sones during the wing's change of command ceremony Monday in Hangar P14 at Travis Air Force Base, Calif.

Martin takes leadership of the largest wing in Air Mobility Command in terms of personnel, arriving from Manas Transit Center in the Kyrgyz Republic where he was commander of the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing.

"I'm proud to call the beautiful view outside the hangar home," he said, addressing Airmen, officers and community leaders for the first time.

Martin, who received his commission upon graduating from the United States Air Force Academy in 1991, mentioned that during his more than 20 years in the service, he's continually heard about Travis' excellence.

"Your reputation around the world is rock solid," Martin said. "I am honored to be a part of that story."

Martin also has served as a C-141 Starlifter and C-17 Globemaster III examiner airdrop aircraft commander, chief of wing safety, squadron commander, and in various staff assignments at the major command and combatant command level. He also flew missions in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom and served as a deployed squadron commander during Iraqi Freedom.

Martin is the second consecutive base commander to come to Travis from Manas, following Sones.

Lt. Gen. Darren McDew, 18th Air Force commander, presided over the ceremony. After praising Sones' accomplishments, including leading the wing in Hurricane Sandy relief efforts, the redeployment of troops and cargo from Iraq at the end of Operation New Dawn, $275 million in facility improvements, and unparalleled fuel efficiency standards, McDew said he has no doubt Martin will continue to ensure the wing's success.

"Under Dwight's leadership, this team has truly embodied excellence and earned a great reputation," McDew said. "Colonel Martin is the ideal choice to lead this wing and its critically important worldwide mission."

He called Martin "another great Airman who comes well-qualified to take the wing to new heights."

In his outgoing address, Sones thanked the base's Airmen and the community, highlighting the achievements of several service members and civilian employees.

"It's Airmen like you who make me stand taller," Sones told the crowd.

Sones was awarded the Legion of Merit for his efforts at Travis. He departs Travis for the Pentagon, to become chief of global mobility requirements at the air staff.

ACC Airmen win Air Traffic Controllers of the Year back-to-back

by Senior Airman Christopher Reel
325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

7/18/2013 - TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla., -- For the second year in a row, Air Combat Command Airmen at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., earned the Air Force's Air Traffic Controller of the Year Award.

Not only is this year's recipient from the 325th OSS, but his trainer was last year's award recipient. Senior Airman Justin Loranger, 325th OSS air traffic controller, is the 2012 Air Force ATC award recipient. The Forest Grove, Ore. native and Forest Grove High School graduate joined the Air Force in August 2009.

"I think back to when he first arrived at Tyndall, not having a clue about air traffic control and now being awarded Air Traffic Controller of the Year for the United States Air Force, which is a tremendous honor," said Staff Sergeant Jamerson Watts, now 14th OSS control tower watch supervisor, Columbus Air Force Base, Miss. and the 2011 Air Force Air Traffic Controller of the Year award recipient. "I will have to admit is also makes it very proud that he won this award just one year after I won it."

Individuals recieve the annual award for showing they can not only be proficient performing their work responsibilities, but also go above and beyond of what is expected of them.

Air traffic controllers help keep pilots and aircraft safe. It is their job to talk to the pilots and to ensure continuity of flight patterns of designated air space as well as ensure air craft area able to land and take off.

"Before I joined the Air Force I was working construction and a family member was an air traffic controller and talked me into [it]," Airman Loranger said. "I wasn't joining unless I could do that job, it is the only job I'd ever want to do."

"Shortly after Loranger arrived at Tyndall, I could tell he had a lot of potential to be exceptional at this career field," said Sergeant Watts. "He has more drive and competitiveness than most Airmen, which is a must with air traffic control. Like any other air traffic controller in training there were ups and downs, but he kept his head up and kept leaning forward. It was the training team that made him what he is. Each member of the team has a lot of time invested in each trainee and without one person on the team we wouldn't have excellent air traffic controllers like Senior Airman Loranger."

Airman Loranger earned both his control tower operator and radar approach controller, or RAPCON, qualifications, quicker than most Airmen in training, which aids the unit by setting a training standard and increasing management flexibility.

"Once we reach our qualifications for RAPCON or the tower, it is up to the individual to stay on top of learning and keep certifications current," Airman Loranger said. "When working radar approach control, we have a unique mission here at the wing. Two-thirds of the aircraft we work with are civilian traffic out of the local airport traveling to Atlanta, Ga.; Orlando, Fla.; or Houston, Texas."

Air traffic controllers go through continuous on-the-job training.

"We put our apprentice air traffic controllers through a very challenging training program that teaches them to make split second decisions with confidence," Senior Master Sgt. Mark McCann, 325th OSS control tower chief controller. "We are blessed with a great group of professionals at Tyndall who take pride in what they do. We expect nothing less than the best from our controllers, and they validate our program by consistently exceeding the standards.When a controller earns a Tyndall certification, they know that they are trained and equipped to succeed anywhere."

Air traffic controllers, like all Airmen, get out of their careers what they put into it, explained Airman Loranger.

"I am always studying the books," he added. "Regulations are constantly changing, and controllers always need to stay up to date. Once a controller is certified, the learning is in their hands."

Air traffic controllers are constantly training throughout their careers and at any time can be "washed-out" or let go from the job. Aside from training, air traffic controllers work six to eight hour shifts continuously, with little to no breaks.

"Airman Loranger has been a positive asset to our facility, squadron and the wing since the day he first arrived at Tyndall," said Sergeant McCann. "He excelled in training by always giving 100 percent effort, being receptive to constructive criticisms and refusing to give in to the challenges that he faced. His dual facility certifications are proof that his approach towards his profession has not changed. He always demands excellence from himself, which makes the unit around him better."

Accountability Citizenship

Stephen P. Tryon “holds a B.S. from West Point and an M.A. in philosophy from Stanford University.  Raised with seven siblings in a family where public service is a core value, he served as a soldier in the United States army for 21 years.  At the end of his army career, he served as a legislative fellow for Senator Max Cleland, as well as a legislative assistant to the senior general at army headquarters in the Pentagon.

More recently, Tryon has worked as a Senior Vice President of Human Resources and International Business at Overstock.com for nine years.  He has spent four years managing logistics and five years managing human resources and international business.  A current resident of Salt Lake City, Utah, Tryon has one son Jake, and a dog Peanut.  Fluent in English and able to converse in Spanish, Tryon also enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, outdoor recreation, exercising, reading, and writing.” Stephen P. Tryon is the author of Accountability Citizenship.

More information about Stephen Tryon.

Pilot logs record 5,000 hours in B-1B Lancer

by Airman 1st Class Hrair H. Palyan
28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

7/18/2013 - ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- After a 19-hour flight from Southwest Asia, July 15 will be forever marked as the day Lt. Col. Timothy Schepper, 28th Operations Group senior evaluator and B-1 bomber pilot, became the first ever B-1 pilot to achieve 5,000 flying hours in the airframe. The record puts him nearly 1,800 hours ahead of any competition at Ellsworth, and nearly 800 hours ahead of all other B-1 pilots.

Schepper's homecoming was spared no fanfare. At the first sight of her husband, Schepper's wife, Tania, hosed him down to celebrate the most recent milestone in a dream that began before the two had even met.

"We're all very excited and proud of him," said Tania. "I can recall his mother showing me a particular picture of him as a small child flying a toy airplane he received for Christmas. Becoming a pilot is something that she always thought he was destined to do."

Of the 5,000 hours Schepper has flown throughout his 22-year-long career, 1,300 of those were combat hours.

"It seems like it's been a long time coming and yet it seemed to happen fairly quickly from my career standpoint," Schepper explained. "After all these years it seems like my body is perfectly formed to fit in that seat now. I'm thinking perhaps its adjusted my posture a little bit over the time I've spent sitting in there."

Schepper described the sense of joy he felt when seeing his family after taking the first few steps down from the B-1.

"My family has always supported me significantly," Schepper emphasized. "I've had five deployments over the past 10 years, and obviously as everybody knows, when you're away from home there are a lot of things that still need to be done. My wife and my kids have had to endure and do a lot of things to make up for when I wasn't around. I look forward to spending time with them."

Also present to congratulate the lieutenant colonel was Dan Ruder, Boeing B-1 advanced program manager, who has been working on the B-1 program since it was initially introduced to the Air Force 30 years ago.

"This is a huge milestone for both the B-1 platform and Lt. Col. Schepper," said Ruder. "The aircraft has nearly 10,000 combat missions logged and has been deployed for eight consecutive years. This day solidifies how the B-1 is still a critical element to our national security."

Tania said that breaking this milestone brought mixed emotions for both her and her husband.

"We have been a part of this community for so long," Tania noted. "He didn't just accomplish this on his own. It takes maintenance, and it takes the help and support of other pilots, and community members. As I watched him land, I felt a tinge of sadness knowing that he may not fly again."

Schepper added that it isn't clear yet what the future has in store for him and his family, adding that he planned to go home and take a nap before anything else.

"After that flight, I've been up for just about 24 hours now, and I haven't thought much about what I'm going to do past this evening," Schepper said. "I know I might be retiring soon, but nothing definitive as of right now. This was just another mission and it just happened to get me to that 5,000-hour mark. I want everyone to know that I truly appreciate their help and support."

Chaplain making an impact through local base ministry

by 1st Lt. Holli Snyder
188th Fighter Wing Chief of Public Affairs

7/16/2013 - FORT SMITH, Ark. -- For many, times of change bring about uncertainties in life and that has been no different for the members of the 188th Fighter Wing. During these times, there are some who stand out among the rest and serve as a beacon of hope and resiliency for the many members of the unit at Fort Smith. For the 188th FW, that man is Lt. Col. Thomas Smith, wing chaplain or "Chappy T" as some may call him.

Having been a chaplain, pastor and missionary in the Philippines for 10 years has enabled Chaplain Smith to embrace his calling and bring his ministry to the 188th. Chaplain Smith has been serving in the Arkansas Air National Guard for more than 18 years and has been working for, serving and ministering to the members here in various heartfelt and innovative ways.

"The ministry of presence has been a main focus of mine throughout my career," Smith said. "It is being able to just be a pastor to the Airman and to be able to help a family and minister to them."

In recent months, Smith noticed that there was a great need for a full-time chaplain presence at the base and has been working with the Airmen of the 188th through the mission conversion process. Through this, the brown bag lunch bunch was started as a weekly Bible study last spring. Each Wednesday, Smith and members of the 188th gather together to share fellowship, study the Bible in Protestant worship, and eat lunch. These short study sessions last roughly 30 minutes and are open to all members of the unit.

"I'm just glad to be here," Smith said. "I've always felt like there was a need, but after the last deployment I spoke with the commander and said there is a need for a presence here and he agreed and now we wonder how we ever did without it."

After receiving a low number of 12 on his draft notice for the Vietnam War during college, Smith was sure he was headed overseas in the military, but was given a deferment. When he enlisted in 1980 as a chaplain at the 123rd Tactical Reconnaissance Wing in Kentucky, Smith noted, "I felt like I had an obligation [to the military] because I had been deferred without asking."

Smith spent three years in the 123rd TRW and then transferred to the 188th where he stayed until 1989. That year, he left the Air Force to serve as a missionary in the Philippines for 10 years, never thinking he would put on the Air Force uniform again.

In 2001, Smith did just that and returned as a traditional Guardsman in the chaplain office here. He has since been working for this unit through the many changes and challenges that have arisen.

Another way Smith combats those challenges is the "kisses ministry," which started in 1985 as a way to break down barriers with Airmen and foster relationships with them.
"When I first started this [kisses ministry] in Gulfport, Miss., in 1985, I walked up to an Airman on the flight line and asked him if he had 'gotten a kiss from the chaplain today,'" Smith said. "He laughed and I handed him some chocolates and that ministry has not stopped since then."

This ultimately became the grounds for a ministry of handing out small chocolates to Airmen or leaving them on the desk as a calling card to show presence and care to the members. During Unit Training Assembly weekends, Smith can usually be spotted handing out chocolate candy to the Airmen on base.

Through a long-serving career in the Air National Guard, Smith has no doubt impacted numerous Airmen and their families through his ministries and presence at the unit. He is looking forward to many more years of service with the Air Force and looks forward to whatever path God may lead him down.

"Spirit of Arizona" Dedication Ceremony

by Tech. Sgt. Susan Gladstein and 1st Lt. Rebecca Garcia
161 ARW Public Affairs

7/16/2013 - PHOENIX SKY HARBOR AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE  -- The 161st Air Refueling Wing dedicated the "Spirit of Arizona" June 14 after weeks of painting the Arizona flag on the vertical tail section of the KC-135R Stratotanker 62-3516.

"From nose to tail, the pride of our home state and the appreciation of our unit members is symbolized on our aircraft," said Col. Gary Brewer, 161st ARW commander. "This tail symbolizes how the Arizona National Guard is different; that every time our nation calls, we are always there to provide support."

The tail painting project, which was completed in about three weeks by 40 maintainers, was spearheaded by Col. Joseph Wilson, 161st Maintenance Group Commander

"It looks 100 times better than imagined and I am so proud of the Airmen that volunteered and took ownership of this project," Colonel Wilson said.

The ceremony, which included more than 300 distinguished guests, was designed to promote esprit de corps, pride and teamwork and to recognize the Guard's connection with its community partners.

Joining the "Spirit of Arizona" was the US Airways A319 "Arizona" and Southwest Airlines 737 "Arizona" as a celebration of the partnership with the local community and with Sky Harbor International Airport.

"Almost 70 percent of our workforce is traditional guardsmen and women who work day-to-day throughout our local communities," Colonel Brewer said. "We recruit that 70 percent from our communities and throughout the state which infuses us into the local community."

The US Airways "Arizona" was taxied in by unit member Master Sgt. Andrew Tyree, a traditional guardsmen assigned to the 161st Maintenance Group. Southwest Airlines "Arizona" was taxied in by unit member Lt. Col. Jim Gloss, 197th Air Refueling Squadron Commander.

"We would never be able to fulfill our commitments to our nation, state or community without the support of great organizations like Southwest Airlines and US Airways who I know feel the pain when we pull our employees to cover our nation's needs and deploy them regularly for long periods of time," Colonel Brewer said. "To all of the employers of our guardsmen and women, I salute and thank you for your sacrifice."

B-2 pilot's dream comes full circle 17 years later

by Retired Lt. Col. Frank Cavouti
29th Training Systems Squadron

7/18/2013 - WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- On a sunny Florida day at MacDill Air Force Base in October 1996, a young man saw a B-2 Spiriti stealth bomber in flight for the first time.

Jasen Hunter, who had just graduated from high school, witnessed the naming ceremony fly-by for the Air Force's newest B-2, the Spirit of Florida. Something caught his spirit, and the rest is history.

Two weeks later, Hunter enlisted in the Air Force for two years before being accepted into the U.S. Air Force Academy Prepatory School. After receiving his commission, he spent three tours as an instructor pilot and a KC-10 Extender pilot.

Throughout his tours flying trainers and tankers, Hunter never gave up his dream to someday be involved with the B-2.

Last year, Hunter applied for and was interviewed in the highly competitive selection process to become a future B-2 pilot. During his interview with the previous 509th Bomb Wing commander, Brig. Gen. Scott Vander Hamm, they were both surprised to find a common point: Vander Hamm was the pilot who flew the Spirit of Florida during the naming ceremony that sparked Hunter's life-long dream.

Once the selection process was complete, Hunter was chosen to train as one of four new pilots in the 69th B-2 initial qualification training class.

On July 10, now-Major Hunter took the final step with his wife, Angela, and two daughters, Savannah and Charlotte, of a journey that began in 1996. On this day, he became the community's newest B-2 pilot with assistance from his instructor pilot, Maj. Ben Kaminsky.

In a tribute to the inspiration that first set Hunter on the path to Whiteman, Team Stealth was able to work the schedule so Hunter flew his first B-2 ride ever in the exact same aircraft he initially saw fly during the ceremony on that day in 1996 -- the Spirit of Florida.

In his own confident but unassuming manner, Hunter said, "I am not quite sure how this become a reality, but I do know for sure that many, many good people helped me get here and made it happen ... thanks."

Joint training mission provides free medical care to Tennessee residents

by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Meghan Skrepenski
Virginia Air National Guard Public Affairs

7/16/2013 - MARTIN, Tenn. -- Approximately 130 service members from the Air National Guard, Army, Navy, and Navy Reserve, have joined together to participate in the 'Hope of Martin' Innovative Readiness Training mission July 8-19, 2013 in Martin, Tenn. The military medical specialists gathered from more than 29 states from across the country in support of this critical humanitarian mission. They have served more than 2,000 patients with over 4,000 procedures completed at an estimated value of $300,000 in medical services, during the first week of the mission.

"After more than a decade of war, the Guard and the Reserve are at their highest level of readiness they have been at in generations. IRT projects keep them trained and ready," said Air Force Col. Damon S. Feltman, deputy director of training program management for the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs.

The purpose of the Civil-Military Programs like the IRT is to improve military readiness while simultaneously providing quality services to communities throughout America. These programs are in keeping with a long military tradition, leveraging training to benefit both units and their home communities. They are strongly supported by The Department of Defense, Congress, the states and communities.

The military services have always brought to bear their extensive resources to help meet some of the country's civil needs. In recent years, DOD has realized the simultaneous benefits these civil-military programs can offer to military readiness.

The military medical specialists are providing care for residents from West Tenn. communities, where some patients seeking care traveled more than a hundred miles and waited hours to be seen and treated. The IRT provided medical care including physicals, mental health, dental and eye exams. Patients also have access to an occupational therapist, dietician and pharmacy services. Vision care includes screenings and free glasses created on site in the Mobile Optical Lab where more than 500 pair of glasses have been made to date. Information about additional medical resources and health care facilities in the community are also provided on site.

"This is by far the most rewarding Annual Training I've ever done in a joint environment that helps our fellow countrymen," said Senior Chief Petty Officer Jeff Tabor, Navy Reserve Medicine Education Training and Command, Naval Air Station, Jacksonville, Fla. "Its challenging dealing with the public when we can't meet their expectations to provide all services that are needed, but we push through and continue to provide quality care to the people that we see."

The unique part of this mission is the joint aspect and the chaos of just beginning in a different environment, working with different people, said Navy Capt. Janie Brier, the Medical Director of 'Hope of Martin' Innovative Readiness Training from the Navy Reserve Medicine Education and Training Command, Jacksonville, Fla. The Service Members come in from different states and different branches of the military, the initial disorder of not knowing the location or just what to expect brings questions of just how we are going to complete the mission, but within just a few hours we were able to establish a good way to provide comprehensive care to the residents of West Tenn., said Brier.

"Compared to previous trainings, this is more innovative, due to the limited supplies. We had to decide how to best use the supplies-on-hand and step outside our comfort zone to get the mission done," said Navy HM3, Adrian E. Rodriguez, a medical corpsman with the Expeditionary Medical Facility, Detachment N, Dallas.

"We had one patient who came in and said she hadn't smiled in 2 years because she was so embarrassed about her teeth," said Air Force Maj. Tiffany Harper, a dentist assigned to the 192nd Fighter Wing, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va. "When she left she was smiling and extremely grateful."

"This is the best visit I have ever had to a dentist," said Wayne Alexander, a Martin resident.

Airmen from the 123rd Airlift Wing, Louisville, Ky., and the 134th Air Refueling Wing, Knoxville, Tn., provided food for the service members utilizing the new Disaster Relief Mobile Kitchen assigned to the Kentucky Air National Guard. The 280th Combat Communications Unit, Dothan Ala. utilized the Ground Antenna Transmit and Receive or GATR Inflatable Satellite system, a rapid deployment satellite that provides high-bandwidth communications for transmission of secure or non-secure data, voice and video. The 280th CCU provided communication support that facilitated mission essential information to be distributed while also providing support to the service members via an Internet café.

"We faced challenges with serving all the people who needed care due to budget cuts, but we were still able to complete the IRT training mission and provide the care to those in need," said Air Force Lt. Col. Dwight Kenneth Hall, the Air National Guard Innovative Readiness Training Program Manager, Joint Base Andrews, Md.