Wednesday, January 13, 2016

SMC strengthens community relations

by Maj. Hamilton B. Underwood
Space and Missile Systems Public Affairs


1/13/2016 - LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE - EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- Mayor Suzanne Fuentes of El Segundo recently met with Lt. Gen. Samuel Greaves, Space and Missile Systems Center commander and Air Force program executive officer for space, Maj. Gen. Robert McMurry, SMC vice commander, Mr. Thomas Fitzgerald, acting executive director, Col. Donna Turner, 61st Air Base Group commander and Chief Master Sgt. Craig Hall, SMC Command Chief as part of SMC's continuing community outreach effort.

The Air Force and the city have a long-standing relationship of cooperation as SMC resides within the city limits of El Segundo. The meeting was an opportunity to strengthen that relationship and discuss emerging issues.

"Close relations with our community partners is key to being a good neighbor," said Greaves. "These meetings provide the opportunity to explain the SMC mission and develop the personal relationship that are essential in coordinating efforts across a spectrum of shared interests."

El Segundo is one of 17 cities in the South Bay area of Southern California, all of which have close ties to the base. Incorporated in 1917, the city has grown with SMC which began as the Western Development Division 37 years afterwards. From farming to aircraft manufacturing and now a technology hub for space, El Segundo has changed as the world and the Air Force have changed as well.

"I was honored to meet with Lt. Gen. Greaves and discuss the collaborative, respectful relationship between Los Angeles Air Force Base and the City of El Segundo," said Fuentes. "Our city is committed to supporting the men, women and the mission of Los Angeles Air Force Base, home of the Space and Missile Systems Center. Our productive talk resulted in several exciting ideas for increased collaboration."

"The meeting we had today with Mayor Fuentes was the first in a series of engagements we will have on a continuing basis with the leaders of our local communities. These meetings are important for us to get out the AF story and SMC mission to the communities we live in," said Fitzgerald. "We discussed mutual activities that would help cement our relationships like STEM outreach and recruiting for employment at SMC and throughout the Air Force."

Col. Turner, who works particularly close with the South Bay civic leaders, was likewise excited about the meeting, "We had a terrific opportunity today to discuss new partnership initiatives with Mayor Fuentes," said Turner, "and continue to foster our excellent relationship."

General Greaves' meeting with Mayor Fuentes is among several held with local mayors in an to effort to strengthen the vital relationship between Los Angeles Air Force Base and the surrounding communities.

21st Space Wing command chief talks Enlisted Forced Distribution

by Tech. Sgt. Jared Marquis
21st Space Wing Public Affairs


1/13/2016 - PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- As Enlisted Forced Distribution rolls out with this year's E6 Enlisted Performance Reports, Chief Master Sgt. Idalia Peele, 21st Space Wing command chief, took time Jan. 7 and 8 to explain the process and give Airmen here the chance to ask questions regarding the way ahead.

"Ultimately, what you've done in the past to get promoted hasn't changed," said Peele. "The process has changed and the emphasis is more on performance, but you still need to follow the guidelines in the (enlisted force structure) handbook."

During the three sessions, Peele talked about rules of engagement, the timeline and the overall effects of EFD on promotion.

One of the main benefits of this process, is it allows commanders input on the promotion process, said Peele. For technical sergeants and below, forced distribution limits the top two promotion recommendations a commander is authorized to give to time-in-grade/time-in-service promotion-eligible Airmen. The restrictions under forced distribution are tied to historical promotion rates in each grade and are designed to ensure those Airmen receiving a top-tier promotion recommendation have a distinct advantage for promotion while ensuring others remain competitive for promotion.

The number of promotion recommendations each unit has are based on the number of promotion-eligible Airmen assigned. Unit commanders with more than 11 promotion-eligible Airmen can award their own recommendations - the top 5 percent will be awarded "Promote Now," while the remaining top 15 percent will be awarded "Must Promote."

Those with 10 or fewer promotion eligible will meet the Enlisted Forced Distribution panel chaired by the Senior Rater, which for the 21st SW is Col. Douglas Schiess, 21st SW commander. Chief Peele said for the E6 promotion eligibles who will meet the EFD panel, there are 16 total recommendations available for the Wing.

In addition to the senior rater, commanders who have submitted members for the recommendations will be part of the panel and have an opportunity to advocate for their Airmen.

Airmen who receive one of the top two promotion recommendations will receive a distinct advantage in weighted points relative to their peers. Currently a "Promote" recommendation is worth 200 points, while a "Promote Now" is worth 250 points and "Must Promote" 220. Promotion-eligible Airmen not recommended for promotion receive a "Not Ready Now" (150 points) or "Do Not Promote" (50 points).

"EFD has brought a much needed change to our promotion system," Peele said. "This process will allow commanders to influence the promotion of those who are truly superior performers."

Peterson selected for Frames of Choice testing

by Dave Smith
21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer


1/13/2016 - PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo.  -- For those who find the number of frame choices for military prescription eyewear somewhat limited, there is an opportunity for more options during a demand test running through late February.

Peterson Air Force Base is one of only 10 Air Force bases selected to participate in the Naval Ophthalmic Support and Training Activity test. The purpose of the exercise is to determine which frame styles are most popular. Peterson was selected because of the number of frames of choice ordered in the 2014-15 year. Other military installations are participating as well.

There are typically about 16 frames to choose from at the Peterson optometry office, but with the additional models during the test more than 30 frames are available to choose from, said Lt. Col. Melissa Simmons, 21st Aerospace Medicine Squadron, optometry flight commander.

"Sizes are limited to the sizes on hand for the test," Simmons said. "The lab has a big stock of them, but during the test they are going for style rather than size."

Simmons thinks the test is timely. To her knowledge there has been no demand test for frames of choice before and adding more frames to choose from is a positive thing. After the demand test is completed Feb. 26, NOSTA will analyze the results to determine the most popular models. Once the results are in and approved, it will take several months for supplies to be stocked at necessary levels.

Active duty members who have not ordered a frame of choice within the last eight months, and who have a glasses prescription less than two years old are eligible to order new glasses.  Orders can be made on a walk-in basis at the optometry clinic, located in the Peterson Clinic.

Election year etiquette for armed forces

by Tech. Sgt. Vernon Cunningham
673d Air Base Wing Public Affairs


1/13/2016 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska  -- During this election cycle, all Department of Defense personnel, military and civilian, should be mindful of the proper way to participate in the political process.

According to DoD Directive 1344.10, Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces, it is the policy to encourage DoD civilians and active duty members to carry out the obligations of citizenship without endorsing or implying an endorsement for a political party.

Although guidance for political conduct is communicated through a variety of instructions, below are some basic rules to remember.

Social Media

Civilian and military personnel are allowed to express their personal views on public issues or political candidates via social media platforms.  However, if the person is identified by a social media site as a DoD employee, the posting must state that the views are those of the employee only.  Active-duty members and restricted civilian employees may follow, friend, or like a political party or candidate running for office, but may not post links to, share or re-tweet comments from the account of a political party or candidate running for a partisan office.  Service members must also be sure not to comment, link or post anything that violates the Uniform Code of Military Justice or service regulations, like showing contempt for public officials, releasing sensitive information, or posting unprofessional material that is prejudicial to good order and discipline under the UCMJ.

Active duty members

'Active duty' includes those who are on full-time and annual training duty, at a service school, retirees, members of the Reserve components not on active duty, full-time National Guard duty, and members of the National Guard even when in non-federal status.

Active-duty personnel may register to vote, encourage other members to exercise voting rights, and express personal opinions on candidates and issues. They may also join a political club and attend meetings when not in uniform, sign petitions for specific legislative action or to place a candidate's name on the ballot.

Written letters to an editor expressing personal views are also permitted as long as it's not part of an organized letter-writing campaign or solicitation of votes for or against a partisan political party or candidate. When participating, the letters are required to have a disclaimer that the views are those of the writer and not the DoD when the letter identifies the writer as DoD personnel or the association can be reasonably assumed.

They can make monetary contributions to a political organization, party, or committee; display a bumper sticker on their vehicle or attend fundraising activities, meetings, rallies, debates, conventions or other activities when not in uniform and when no appearance of sponsorship or endorsement can be reasonably drawn.

Participation in local nonpartisan political activities is allowed as long as the member is not in uniform and does not use government resources or property, the event does not interfere with duty, and there is no implied government position or involvement.

Active-duty members are not allowed to campaign for a partisan club, or speak before a partisan gathering.  They also may not publish partisan political articles or letters that solicit votes for or against a partisan political party, candidate or cause.

In addition, active duty members can't participate in any radio, television, or other program or group discussion as an advocate for or against a partisan political party, candidate or cause.  Nor may they serve in an official capacity as a sponsor or advocate for or against a partisan political party, candidate or cause.

Civilian Employees

According to the Hatch Act, DoD civilians' participation in political activities are regulated by a combination of categories which list them as "further restricted" or "less restricted".

Further restricted employees include those appointed by the president of the United States and confirmed by the Senate, individuals serving in non-career senior executive service positions or career members of the SES, contract appeals board members, and some others.  Specific lists are available at www.osc.gov, the U.S. Office of Special Counsel website.

Other DoD civilian employees are qualified as less restricted.

These employees may volunteer with a political campaign or organization while in their personal capacities, like organizing political rallies and meetings, making phone calls on behalf of the candidate, or working for a political party to get out the vote on Election Day.  They are, however, prohibited from soliciting or receiving political contributions.

No matter which type of civilian employee, neither may engage in political activity while on duty or in a federal building.  Forwarding political emails, posting political messages to a Facebook page or engaging in political tweets while in a federal building (to include when off duty or when using personal equipment) is prohibited.  Also, government equipment must never be used to engage in political activities.

9th Reconnaissance Wing undergoes Unit Effectiveness Inspection Capstone

by Airman 1st Class Ramon A. Adelan
9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs


1/13/2016 - BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, California -- Beale's 9th Reconnaissance Wing is currently undergoing a Unit Effectiveness Inspection Capstone, which is being conducted by Air Combat Command's Inspector General team to rate how effective the wing is performing and accomplishing the mission. The inspection began Jan. 11, 2016, and is slated to be completed by Jan. 15

"The Unit Effectiveness Inspection Capstone is a culminating event in a two year process, and the ACC/IG team are here to validate and verify that we are applying key concepts of compliance, critical self-assessment, and continuous process improvement to our Wing's daily operations," said Col. Doug Lee, 9th RW commander.

This is the first UEI cycle under the new Air Force Inspection System for the 9th Reconnaissance Wing. AFIS is designed to focus inspection efforts based on mission, risk and commander's priorities. Being mission ready is being inspection ready.

"The ACC/IG team is here this week to validate and verify the commander's inspection program, or CCIP, and independently evaluate the 9 RW's overall effectiveness," said Maj. Eric Steele, 9th RW/IG.

The inspection team rates the wing on four graded areas, which are: managing resources, leading people, improving the unit and executing the mission.

"The Capstone is just the last data point for the ACC/IG to assess the 9 RW as they wrap up this UEI cycle and provide us with an overall grade," Steele said. "The scope and depth of the actual inspection this week is dependent on the 9 RW's past performance over the two-year cycle, Air Force and ACC trends, and inputs from our wing commander. Essentially his priorities and focus areas."

Throughout the UEI cycle, the wing and unit commanders are required to continuously inspect their own programs utilizing the wing IG, the Wing Inspection Team and the Management Internal Control Toolset, as described in Air Force Instruction 90-201.

"I have tremendous confidence in all of you, and I know you are going to do great," Lee said. "All you need to do is the same superb job you do, each and every day. Remember a positive attitude, along with open and honest feedback to the inspectors, goes a long way."

Blowing up the competition

by Airman 1st Class Jessica H. Evans
366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs


1/13/2016 - MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho- -- The 366th Operations Support Squadron won the Defense Logistics Agency Range of the Year award. Although there isn't a trophy or plaque presented, the range personnel have earned big time bragging rights for their use of excess property.

The Range of the Year competition was created by the DLA to heighten ranges interest in using excess equipment for target practice. With a goal of simplifying processes and saving taxpayer dollars, the competition allows ranges to creatively accomplish both.

"Generally, the ranges have to buy soft targets that are made of plywood and cardboard," said Curtis Viall, 366th OSS range operations officer. "An alternative to these soft targets is to use a vehicle that has been deemed excess or unserviceable."

The reused vehicles become hard targets, he explained. Unlike the soft targets, they're sturdier and can withstand multiple hits from weapons systems. Not only are the targets durable, but they offer other benefits as well.

"Finding valuable ways to utilize excess property, vehicles [and] equipment on the range provides our aircrews realistic tactical targets and saves a significant amount of money," Viall said. "Last year over a thousand vehicles were reutilized [on] ranges, saving thousands of dollars."

The categories of the competition look at layout, overall range capabilities, reutilization totals, cleanliness of the facility, overall appearance and what's been accomplished using DLA equipment.

"We typically acquire tanks, self-propelled and towed artillery, armored personnel carriers, [shipping] containers, [Humvees] and construction equipment," Viall said. "Once at the range the vehicles are prepped to go on range as target[s]."

Preparation can include removing shiny surfaces and glass in order to reduce laser reflection, he explained, as well as removing hazardous waste such as oil and transmission fluid.

"In some cases targets require no modification and can [go] directly onto the range to be used, but quite often we will make modifications to make them look more realistic," Viall said.

Examples of their creative targets include building villages out of shipping containers, using modified satellite dishes to simulate enemy communication infrastructure, simulated tunnel entrances, modifying trailers to pull by remote control vehicles for laser guided bombs and many other realistic targets.

The contract maintenance personnel from Environmental Management Incorporated services used a lot of imagination and skill to get these systems looking more like enemy targets, Viall explained.

"We're proud of our OSS range team and the recognition this award highlights," said Lt. Col. Sean Lowe, 366th OSS commander. "Mr. Viall and his team have built a culture of innovation while developing a world-class training environment. The team's ability to react to dynamic F-15E operational requirements by organically developing full scale tactical targets and threats prepares Gunfighters for combat challenges they may face in Syria, Iraq or Afghanistan."

Recapitalizing JSTARS: the communication system

by Justin Oakes
66th Air Base Group Public Affairs


1/13/2016 - HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- Communication is key.

And for the Air Force's Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System aircraft, its communication component is one of four major areas undergoing a combined multi-billion dollar recapitalization.

Since JSTARS's introduction in 1991, Air Force command posts, Army mobile ground stations and many airborne platforms have come to rely on the information passed through the aircraft's communication system to make informed decisions on the battlefield.

Leading the charge on the communication system's revamp is a specialized defense acquisition team based out of Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts.

"Command and control is an integral part of JSTARS," said 1st Lt. George Steele, a program systems engineer for the JSTARS Recapitalization. "Without effective communication systems and equipment, it would be impossible for JSTARS to perform its intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission."

The current E-8C JSTARS, which is equipped onto a Boeing 707 airframe, conveys real-time targeting information to allied forces using line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight secure data and voice links -- a capability that has evolved from Army and Air Force programs' desire to develop, detect, locate and attack enemy forces beyond the area of troops.

With the new communications system, "we intend to incorporate both LOS and BLOS data and voice links similar to the legacy aircraft, utilizing ultra-high frequency, very ultra-high frequency and high-frequency encrypted systems," Steele said.

As far as data is concerned, information will pass through satellite communication channels and the Common Data Link, a U.S. military developed protocol used to transfer images and intelligence signals.

In order to acquire these capabilities in a timely manner, Hanscom program officials will be taking a unique approach by embracing modern, existing technology, which will eliminate the need to develop components from scratch.

"There have been major technological advances since JSTARS was first introduced and deployed to Operation Desert Storm," Steele said. "By using current and emerging systems, it will allow for increased capability while reducing size, weight and power to the overall aircraft."

In addition to using readily available government and commercial-off-the-shelf products, the JSTARS Recap team plans to incorporate hardware and software geared toward open systems architecture. Meaning, when modifications or upgrades to the communications system are needed in the future, updates can be made with greater flexibility and lower cost.

"There are many benefits of using a modular open systems architecture," said Col. David Learned, JSTARS Recap program manager. "We have to consider how our investments today will impact the affordability and agility of JSTARS Recap throughout its system life cycle. That's why we are incorporating this type of architecture into many of the JSTARS components, not just the communications subsystem."

The JSTARS Recapitalization program recently passed from the Materiel Solutions Analysis phase to the Technology Maturation and Risk Reduction phase, upon an OSD-approved Milestone A decision Dec. 10, 2015.

Milestone A will allow the Air Force to exercise options on three existing contracts to further risk reduction efforts. The three separate options have a combined value of $45 million and will provide system functional, preliminary design reviews and subsystem prototype demonstrations.

According to Steele, the team is working hand-in-hand with industry through a series of face-to-face meetings, site visits and Hanscom AFB-hosted "industry days."

The JSTARS Recap team is also working with federally-funded research and development centers, Air Force Test Labs and industry defense contractors to evaluate and ensure the future needs of the JSTARS weapon system are met.

In the end, the communications system found on the JSTARS aircraft will allow for simultaneous voice and data transmission across battlespace.

"We're building a new system for the long haul," Steele said. "One thing is certain, the modernized version will allow JSTARS to have a major impact on current and future operations."

(Editor's note: this is the second story in a series on JSTARS Recapitalization)

Test team aims at new machine gun for Pave Hawk

by Rebecca Amber
412th Test Wing Public Affairs


1/12/2016 - EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  -- Arriving in the rain, an Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter landed at Edwards Jan. 5, 2016, to begin testing the ballistic dispersion of a GAU-21 .50 caliber machine gun.

The Pave Hawk will be here until Jan. 22 with the 412th Test Wing and 418th Flight Test Squadron providing the facilities, range safety, photographic documentation and maintenance support equipment.

The 96th Test Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, and the 412th Test Wing partnered up to provide the 413th Flight Test Squadron, Detachment 1 from Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, a location for their test team to accomplish baseline ballistics testing. That location is Edwards AFB's Gun Harmonizing Range.

The testing is part of Air Combat Command's "HH-60 Defensive Weapons System Upgrade" modification proposal.

The modification proposal requires the new weapon to be an open bolt system, have a longer barrel life, a higher cyclic rate of fire, be lighter weight and have reduced recoil. The selected weapon must also be used currently by other Department of Defense services.

According to James Cooley, 413th Flight Test Squadron Det. 1 technical director, the closed-bolt GAU-18 defensive system, which has been used on the HH-60, has demonstrated a short barrel life (3,000 rounds), relatively low cyclic rate of fire (550 rounds per minute), high recoil and is vulnerable to unsafe ammunition "cook-offs."

The FN Herstal M3M, designated the GAU-21, is an open bolt system with a barrel life of 10,000 rounds, a cyclic rate of fire of up to 1100 rounds per minute, and reduced recoil over standard .50 caliber weapons due to the use of a soft mount.

As a proven weapon system, the current test effort is focused on integrating the GAU-21 into the HH-60G weapon platform using the Gun Mount/Ammunition Handling System, which was designed for the Air Force by the U.S. Navy.

The objective of this test effort is to evaluate the ballistic dispersion of the GAU-21 .50 caliber machine gun mounted to the HH-60G via the GAU-21 GM/AHS when operated in the fixed forward fire and fixed side fire modes.

The Pave Hawk, a variant of the UH-60 Blackhawk used by the Army, is stationed at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Its primary objective is Combat Search and Rescue. The combat crew of four includes the pilot, copilot and two special mission aviators as well as three Air Force pararescue men for rescue operations.

The Combat Search and Rescue Combined Test Force located at Nellis AFB is comprised of 413th FLTS Det. 1 and the 96th Test Wing, which fall under Air Force Materiel Command, and conducts developmental testing. Air Combat Command's 88th Test and Evaluation Squadron and 53rd Test Wing, also at Nellis, conduct operational testing.

The 823rd Maintenance Squadron is also providing aircraft and weapons maintenance support.

The Pave Hawk differs from the Blackhawk in its auxiliary fuel tanks, aerial refueling probe and forward-looking infrared. It also has a color weather radar, integrated electronic warfare suite, external gun mount and ammunition handling system as well as an integrated navigation suite.

Medical Group wins again!

by Airman 1st Class Connor J Marth
366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs


1/13/2016 - MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- The 366th Medical Group has earned Air Combat Command's Hospital of the Year for the second year in a row. The award recognized the exceptional performance of the group's airmen and bolstered the 366th Fighter Wing's Outstanding Unit Award for 2015.

The group also received the ACC Medium Dental Clinic of the Year award, adding to the group's list of accomplishments.

"The 366[th] MDG has risen to the challenge by finding innovative ways to best use our limited resources, particularly nurses and physicians, in multiple areas," said Col. Andy Moore, 366th MDG commander. "Our people are challenged with a way to go above and beyond our patients and our customers' expectations. Patient feedback has consistently ranked us top in the ACC and the Air Force in this regard over the past year."

Moore explained the hospital is tasked with both a readiness mission for the 366th FW as well as providing continuous inpatient and outpatient medical care. Both Moore and the base commander were impressed by the hard work and dedication of MDG personnel.

"This is the second year in a row our hospital has won at the ACC level," said Col. David Iverson, 366th Fighter Wing commander. "We are extremely proud of the great work they continue to do each and every day."

Face of Defense: Judge Advocate Brings Empathy to Position



By Air Force Tech. Sgt. Andria Allmond, 111th Attack Wing DoD News, Defense Media Activity

HORSHAM, Pa., January 13, 2016 — In August 2014, Air Force 1st Lt. Hilary Styer, a member of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, began a whirlwind tour through the Judge Advocate General's Corps that -- by blending various active-duty assignments and drill-status Guardsman roles -- positioned her to fulfill the duties as the 111th Attack Wing's full-time deputy staff judge advocate here.

A journey that began and now continues at the 111th ATKW has been an excursion of empathy and of obtaining experience. These elements combine to create the case for Styer to be a considered a perfect fit for the Philadelphia area's only Air National Guard base.

"We're pleased to welcome [Styer] back to the wing," Pennsylvania Air National Guard Air Force Col. Howard L. Eissler, the 111th ATKW commander, said. "She was a practicing lawyer in the civilian sector before joining our unit and spent some time with us here before going off to [officer training school] and then volunteering for [multiple active-duty assignments]."

Styer worked for three years in criminal defense and family law before commissioning into the role of a drill-status Guardsman with the wing.

"Combine her direct civilian sector knowledge with the experience she obtained during her military assignments and I have high expectations," Eissler said.

Training and Experience

In 2014, Styer attended officer training school at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama.

Immediately after graduating from OTS, she proceeded to technical training school for the Judge Advocate Staff Officer Course, also held at Maxwell AFB.

Styer said she recalled hearing about active-duty opportunities for Air National Guardsmen during her technical military training.

Upon graduation, she sought and secured a five-month, active-duty opening. In this role, she represented airmen as their cases were examined by the medical evaluation board and processed through the formal physical evaluation board at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas.

Conducting disability litigation, she helped service members as the boards determined whether or not they were entitled to a medical retirement or a discharge with severance pay.

"I was representing clients through that whole process and I learned a lot during my five months there," she said. "I ultimately want to help people, because a lot of people who are coming to see a lawyer are going through a difficult time in their life. If the roles were reversed, I would want my attorney to be empathic and listen to me."

Lawyers Speak for Others

According to Styer, being a lawyer is about speaking for the rights and interests of the client.

"I think that a lot of people who join public service want to help people," Styer said. "And that's my ultimate goal ... to help the mission, to help other airmen. I try to be empathetic and I like to think that I am."

When she finished working with the physical evaluation board, Styer searched for the next service prospect. Subsequently, that break came in the form of a 60-day tour at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey.

There, she played a key role in determining administrative discharges and providing legal assistance.

"Except for maybe adoption, normally when someone has to seek the help of a lawyer it's not for a good thing," Styer said. "For the most part, when you go to a lawyer it's because you're going through a difficult period of your life.”

Everyone “deserves a fair shake," she said.

Styer said that her background in family law, along with proficiencies gained through her assorted tours, provides a balance of familiarity and compassion that will prove beneficial as she serves as the wing's full-time deputy staff judge advocate.

And leaders here agree.
"Hopefully now that [Styer] is here, our members will take advantage of the legal benefits that she, and the office, can offer," Eissler said. "I'm confident that she will have a positive direct impact on our Guardsmen in both personal and professional matters."