PACAF establishes Pacific IAMD Center

special Staff Report

11/7/2014 - JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR - HICKAM, Hawaii -- The Pacific Integrated Air and Missile Defense Center officially commenced operations here Oct. 1, culminating a vision shared by military leaders in the Asia-Pacific region to increase multinational integrated air and missile defense capabilities in the U.S. Pacific Command area of responsibility.

Similar to the already established European and Central Command IAMD Centers, the Pacific IAMD Center is designed to be a joint and multinational organization that educates and trains military and partner nation IAMD operators and planners.  One of the key objectives is to incorporate IAMD professionals from partner nations into the center to improve the joint and multinational operational warfighting capability within the Pacific AOR.

"In order to succeed in IAMD, we must offset fewer resources with more innovation to develop and maintain an affordable, integrated, interdependent Joint and Combined approach ready to answer the nation's call -- anytime, anywhere," said Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff U.S. Army Gen. Martin Dempsey in his Joint IAMD Vision 2020.

Once fully operational, the center's mission will be to increase joint and multinational IAMD capability, interoperability, integration and knowledge through four primary concepts:   standardizing academics and education of IAMD professionals across the Pacific; conducting IAMD training events and exercises focused on theater issues; fostering multinational partnerships through IAMD seminars, exercises and information sharing events; and disseminating joint and multinational doctrine, tactics, techniques, procedures, and lessons learned. 

The commander of USPACOM has delegated operational and administrative control of the Pacific IAMD Center to the Area Air Defense Commander Gen. Lori J. Robinson, Pacific Air Forces commander.

General Robinson has acknowledged the significance of IAMD in the Pacific theater by listing it as one of her top priorities upon taking command of PACAF, affirming she wants to "expand engagement, increase combat capability and improve warfighter integration to achieve success in IAMD."

General Robinson's initial cadre of IAMD planners oversees center operations and stands ready to improve regional security and integrated air and missile defense capabilities, as well as offset anti-access and area denial efforts through the use of integrated Joint and Combined operations and updated command and control.

Soldiers, Civilians Salute Native Americans’ Contributions

By Walter T. Ham IV

20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives Command

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md., Nov. 14, 2014 – Soldiers and U.S. Army civilian employees celebrated Native Americans’ contributions to the U.S. military at a 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives Command-hosted ceremony here Nov. 13.

The event, part of National Native American Month observances held this month, featured food tasting, exhibits and performances.

Army Lt. Col. Nathele J. Anderson, the commander of the 4th Battalion, 321st Regiment at Redstone Arsenal adjacent to Huntsville, Alabama, was the guest speaker.

A U.S. Army Reserve officer who has served in South Korea, Afghanistan and Qatar, Anderson described growing up in the Navajo Nation in the four corners area of the southwestern United States where Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado come together.

Anderson described the influence her culture had on her decision to join the U.S. Army and noted that Native Americans have the highest record of military service per capita in the nation.

‘Warrior Spirit is Alive and Well’

“The warrior spirit is alive and well and indeed it is a part of our military history and traditions,” Anderson said. “The warrior spirit of strength, honor and courage is a part of my heritage.”

Army Brig. Gen. JB Burton, commanding general of the 20th CBRNE Command, said that Native American troops have served with distinction.

Burton leads more than 5,000 soldiers and civilians in his command.

Native American Contributions to Defense

“We gather to honor the incredible contribution that Native Americans have made in the defense of our nation,” said Burton, a native of Tullahoma, Tennessee.

During his address, Burton highlighted the Choctaw and Navajo code talkers, as well as the 28 Native Americans who have the earned the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest decoration for military valor.

“In many Native American languages, the translation for soldier, warrior, protector and helper are all the same word,” Burton said.

Native Americans have served with distinction from the country’s earliest days to the present-day, in “the cold mountains of Afghanistan to the burning deserts of Iraq,” he said.

“Native Americans have historically answered our nation's call,” Burton said.

Technical sergeant earns first place honors at Lackland Classic

by Jose T. Garza III
JBSA-Lackland Public Affairs

11/14/2014 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO- LACKLAND, Texas -- When Tech. Sgt. Dorothy Dingba appeared on the Bob Hope Performing Arts Center stage as a finalist for the Bikini A and Bikini Military categories at the 34th annual Lackland Bodybuilding Classic - her first bodybuilding show - Nov. 8, her body shook and her mouth went dry as she smiled for the judges.

Under the show's bright lights, the 67th Cyberspace Wing manpower analyst was a nervous wreck as she wondered whether her hard work waking up at 2:30 a.m. six days a week to work out while balancing school and work, was actually going to pay off.

Not expecting to be successful in her first show, Dingba exceeded her expectations and earned first place honors in the Bikini Military category and placed third in the Bikini A division.

"For me, it was just an accomplishment to get on the stage," Dingba said. "When I got called to the stage as a finalist, it was exciting. I could tell that the other girls were nervous as well; I could feel the energy.

"I feel so blessed. It was cool that the judges thought I brought forth a good package because I do work hard, and working out is what I like to do. The coolest part is being rewarded for something you like to do."

Dingba has been a fitness fiend since joining the Air Force 11 years ago. Her passion for it was boosted when she met her now husband, Tech. Sgt. Amadi Dingba, 343rd Training Squadron military training leader, three years ago while working in the same squadron.

"After we started working out together, he encouraged me to lift heavier than I was," she said. "When I began lifting heavier, I became more confident about my body and pushing myself. He encouraged me and told me I was stronger than I thought I was. It meant a lot.

"Sometimes you have moments where you feel down and not so confident. He told me that I could push myself in the gym because I always push myself in school and at work. It means a lot because it lets me know that he has my back, and we are able to live this life together."

Knowing friends who were also into bodybuilding, Dingba was intrigued by the sport and signed up in September to participate in the Classic since it took place at her permanent duty station. She began seriously prepping for the Classic in October by researching online meal plans, following bodybuilders on Instagram and asking them questions about the sport. She also viewed YouTube videos of various bodybuilding shows and studied how the competitors walked and posed.

"YouTube was my best friend," the Centreville, Va. native said.

In addition to her research, Dorothy Dingba performed 40 minutes of weight training six days a week followed by 40 minutes of cardio three days a week. She also practiced her show routine in her kitchen, and then sent a video of it to her friend for critiquing.

"My friend said I looked like a robot, and the goal is to not look like a robot," Dorothy Dingba explained. "It helped to have someone coach me on what I am supposed to do."

The bikini competitor also credits her husband for making sure she maintained a clean healthy eating regimen, including not indulging in a cheat meal every Saturday.

"Once I started my prep, I wanted to make sure that I went into the competition clean and worked as hard as I could to achieve my goal," Dingba said.

Amadi is proud of his wife for the time and effort she put into prepping for the Lackland Classic.

"She worked harder in the gym than some of the guys," the 343rd TRS military training leader said. "Dorothy is one of the most driven people I know, and she is very independent. When it comes to lifting weights, she wants to do it herself first."

With one bodybuilding show on her resume, Dorothy Dingba said her next goal is to eventually earn a professional bodybuilding card. However, at present time, she is focused on completing her doctorate in education online at North Central University, and hopes to teach online criminal justice classes some day.

When's she not working, working out and studying, Dorothy Dingba mentors teens at San Antonio high schools.

"I would like to continue educating teens and help build futures in San Antonio," she said.

Her work ethic comes from having her priorities straight, having a solid foundation of values and goals and improving herself on a daily basis.

"You have to ask yourself, 'is this going to get me closer to my goals or not?'"

Vigilance: keeping situational awareness during the holidays

by Airman 1st Class Stormy Archer
Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs

11/12/2014 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas -- The Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Anti-Terrorism Office is advising all Department of Defense members and dependents to remain vigilant against possible threats to their safety during the holidays.

This advisory comes following a force protection message from U.S. Northern Command directing DOD personnel traveling to or from Canada, or operating in Canada, to observe a heightened uniform posture. The message was a response to recent attacks on Canadian service members and Parliament.

The Pentagon Force Protection Agency also recently issued an advisory to their employees reminding them to "be vigilant at home and work, during travel and in their communities, by using individual protective measures."

While these advisories are not made because of a specific threat, they are aimed at increasing awareness.

"It is at this time of the year our guard is lowered while we spread holiday cheer and joy," said Mance Clark, JBSA-Randolph anti-terrorism officer.  "There are criminal and terror elements who seek targets of opportunity, taking advantage of the unexpected. So as we enter this festive season, please let's not forget your situational awareness and remain vigilant, reporting suspicious activity and maintaining sound security practices."

In order to be less vulnerable, service members have been advised to avoid wearing their uniform in public when unnecessary, be aware of their surroundings, be mindful of what they post on social media and to disable geo-tagging on their digital photos.

"We don't want people to be afraid to use social media," said Capt Victoria Hight, Air Force social media deputy chief. "We just want them to do so in a smart way. If your account is properly secured, you shouldn't be afraid to say you're a member of Academy class whatever or that you served in the U.S. Air Force or even post photos in uniform. But without those proper security settings, those are things you should avoid posting because anybody can see it."

Below are just a few crime prevention tips to practice while at home:

· If you take a holiday trip away from your home, set an interior light to activate by an automatic timer, have a neighbor or family member watch your house and stop all deliveries like mail or newspapers.

· Don't display holiday gifts in plain view where they can be seen from a window.

· Be cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave your house or apartment, even if just for a few minutes.

·  Avoid leaving empty boxes from purchases out on the curb for trash pickup. Crush them and place them out in recycling bins.

· Be wary of strangers soliciting charitable donations. They may attempt to take advantage of people's generosity during the holidays. Ask for identification and how donated funds are used.

· Be careful with purses and wallets. Carry your purse under your arm. Keep your wallet in an inside jacket pocket, not a back trouser pocket and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Pay for purchases with a credit/debit card or check when possible.

· Lock your packages and gifts in your vehicle's trunk. Keep you vehicle's doors locked and windows closed.

· Shop before dark. Coordinate shopping trips with a family member or friend, and never park in an unlit area.

For alerts and travel warnings refer to http://travel.state.gov.

Hagel Mobilizes Reserve Forces in Support of Operation United Assistance

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Nov. 14, 2014 – Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has signed an order authorizing the involuntary mobilization of approximately 2,100 Army Reserve and Army National Guard soldiers to support Operation United Assistance.

Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby says Hagel signed the order yesterday and that Army officials are now in the process of notifying individual soldiers and their families. Once all of the appropriate notifications have been completed, Kirby said additional information will be provided about units and specialties being mobilized.

The troops will replace forces in Senegal and Liberia who are supporting our whole-of-government response to the most devastating Ebola outbreak in history.

All soldiers will conduct regionally-specific training on Ebola prevention, malaria prevention, other medical threats, and medical readiness requirements before deploying.   Kirby said all prudent steps necessary to ensure the safety of the troops will be taken to reduce or eliminate the risk of transmission of the Ebola virus.

Sailors Receive San Diego County Sheriff's Highest Award

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Emiline L. M. Senn, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Two Sailors from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 3 received Meritorious Service Awards from the San Diego County Sheriff's Department, at the Bob Hope Theater on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Nov. 13.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 1st Class Jeremy D. Owen and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 2nd Class Alfred R. Quinlan were awarded the San Diego County Sheriff's Department highest award for saving a life while endangering their own safety in aiding deputy Michael Alcarion, a motorcyclist who was severely injured in a motor vehicle collision.

"Without their selfless and quick thinking actions, Deputy Alcarion might have succumbed to his injuries," said Don Fowler, police Cmdr. of the San Diego County Sheriff's Department. "It is with sincere gratitude that we recognize Jeremy Owen and Alfred Quinlan with the Sheriff's Meritorious Service Award."

Quinlan was riding his motorcycle to work on Oct. 7, when traffic was slowing down due to an accident in the left lanes of the freeway. When he arrived closer to the scene, he noticed that a motorcycle rider was injured on the freeway with no one assisting him.

"My first thoughts were, 'why isn't anybody helping this guy?'" said Quinlan. "People had already stopped, just watching him bleed on the highway."

Quinlan tried to assess the victim by talking to him and asking questions to keep him conscious. Owen arrived at the scene to offer his help.

"I was riding down highway 94 when I noticed Quinlan and pulled over," said Owen. "I saw that he was okay and helping someone who was hurt."

While the Sailors were stabilizing and monitoring the victim, Quinlan discovered that he was a San Diego County Sheriff's Deputy. The emergency medical technicians arrived on the scene and transported the deputy to a nearby hospital to further treat his injuries.

"I'm just glad I was there and that Jeremy showed up to help too," said Quinlan. "It was good that the deputy could get help before the ambulance got there."